KEN FORD was first introduced to the violin at the tender age of nine. Consistent practicing helped him to develop and nurture a talent that would take him on a journey that he never imagined. “It was not my intent to play the violin as a career, and jazz violin wasn’t even a thought, it was something I just fell into and in love with”, comments Ford.

As time went on, Ford became one of the founding members of the DeKalb Youth Pop Orchestra where he began to learn the basics in orchestral performances. He began to take steps in expanding his experience by joining the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra, and by enlisting in outside training from various members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

Ford moved on to join the African American Philharmonic Orchestra where he participated in performances that included the background orchestral styling for the late Barry White, and featured orchestral performances throughout the Southeast Region, several of which were held by Atlanta’s historic Morehouse College. Before leaving the orchestra Ken was promoted to Concert Master.

Although Ford was classically trained in violin, he yearned to play the music he enjoyed most, which is contemporary jazz. He bravely branched out into the jazz clubs, sitting in with various local artists. “It was sort of easy for me to make the transition from classical to jazz. I forced myself to play by ear by trying to play songs from the radio,” states Ford. His persistence molded himself into an exceptionally talented jazz performer in the Atlanta area, catching the eye of some very notable people around town, not just because of his soulful and funky sound, but also as a result of his unique, sensual and electrifying stage presence. A recent comment from a fan: “When you play, I can feel it in my soul!”

Because of his large and rapidly growing following, this resident of Atlanta has been highly requested and has performed as the opening act for MAZE featuring Frankie Beverly, jazz artists Boney James, Norman Brown, funkster D’Angelo, jazz artist Kirk Whalum and songstress Lalah Hathaway. In addition, Ford was a featured performer at the 24th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival in Piedmont Park/Atlanta, as well as a featured performer at the Omaha Riverfront Jazz & Blues Festival and the DeKalb Lithonia Jazz & R&B Series at Stewart Ampitheatre on multiple occasions. He also performed during the 14th Annual Montreux Atlanta Music Festival, and Ford was also invited to perform as a featured musical artist at the 58th Annual Lighting of the Great Tree at Macy’s – Live Televised Christmas Special in Atlanta on Thanksgiving night airing on WSB-TV [ABC affiliate]. Ford is the first instrumentalist in the 58 year history of this highly anticipated event to ever be invited as a featured performer.

Ford was personally invited by Wyclef Jean to appear on television’s nationally broadcasted “VH-1 Storytellers” to perform an acapella duet of “ til’ November” from Wyclef’s CD “The Carnival”. He also performed a tribute to Stevie Wonder just before the performance of the living legend himself at the home of baseball legend Hank Aaron for the newly established “The Cochran Firm” headed by the late Johnnie Cochran, which benefited the Atlanta Apex Museum. Additionally, Ford was invited to perform at The Trumpet Awards, as well as the Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation’s All Star Weekend 2003 Presidential Brunch featuring guest speaker (former) President Bill Clinton. In addition, Ford was asked to perform the National Anthem at Philips Arena prior to the Atlanta Hawks taking on the Orlando Magic, as well as asked to perform the National Anthem at the Georgia Dome prior to the Atlanta Falcons taking on the Tampa Bay Buckaneers. Added to the list of performance credits, Ford was invited to perform as the featured musical artist during JEZEBEL Magazine’s 9th Anniversary and Re-Launch Event and Atlanta Falcon’s Warrick Dunn’s 3rd Annual Wash ‘n Wear Fashion Show Where Football and Fashion Collide benefiting the Warrick Dunn Foundation’s Homes for the Holiday program. He has also shared the stage with artists such as Roy Ayers, Caren Wheeler, Rachelle Farrell, Jean Carne, Regina Carter, Najee, Michael Franks, Alex Bugnon, Jonathan Butler, Regina Belle and Gerald Albright. The list goes on and on. His studio projects with labels include LaFace and So So Def Recordings, and string arrangements/solos for hip-hop artist Goodie Mob and soul singer Maxwell.

Ford continues to receive extensive print, broadcast and electronic media coverage, and he has a long list of media credits which include feature guest appearances on TBS Superstation’s Storyline newsmagazine program, WAGA-TV FOX5 Atlanta’s “Good Day Atlanta”, WSB-TV’s Family to Family Parade, WXIA-TV/11Alive Noon News, WXIA-TV/11Alive Sports Extra, UPN’s Atlanta Tonight and WATL-TV/WB Atlanta’s program, ATL Insider just to name a very few. Radio station (in-studio) feature guest interviews and mentions include Atlanta’s WVEE/V103 FM Morning Show, as well as V103’s “Quiet Storm”, WCLK 91.9 FM, Smooth Jazz 107.5FM, Classic Soul 102.5FM and STAR 94.

Added to Ken Ford’s impressive list of significant accomplishments is the successful 2001 debut of Ford’s chart-topping debut CD, Burnt Toast. The sweet, soulful and funky sounds spread on Ford’s Burnt Toast clearly capture his undying passion for playing the electric jazz violin. Furthermore, his ability to incorporate his smooth and sensual moves, which are often displayed during his live performances emanates from every track on his debut CD. Prior to Ford’s release of Burnt Toast he continued to develop an overwhelmingly loyal following who awaited the release of his debut CD. Nevertheless, Ford’s desire to keep the Toast in the oven a little longer than most had hoped was the best decision he could have made. As a result, the final product was served to mere perfection and ready to satisfy the musical appetite of those hungering for a taste of Burnt Toast.

On the heels of Ford’s incredibly successful release of Burnt Toast came the opportunity for Ford to share the stage with Hidden Beach recording artist and saxophonist Mike Phillips as his special guest performer during the opening of Jill Scott’s Words & Sounds Summer Concert at Atlanta’s Chastain Park Ampitheatre.

Ken Ford’s desire to consistently produce and deliver quality music to the masses remains apparent. In August 2003 Ford released his sophomore CD entitled Chevelle Lane. This work of musical art captures the essence of Ken Ford’s musical genius as an accomplished Electronic Jazz Violinist. This CD was truly a labor of love for Ford as he poured his mind, body and soul into Chevelle Lane. He not only proudly claims performing artist credits on his latest CD, but he also displays his talent as an executive producer. Both Burnt Toast and Chevelle Lane continue to sell steadily and rapidly. In November 2005, Ken Ford released his highly anticipated DVD, Ken Ford LIVE, featuring interviews and electrifying concert performances.

Despite Ford’s undeniable success, he remains “TRUE” to himself and understands that his talent is a mere blessing and because of that he continues to be thankful and knows there is still room to grow in his craft as Ken Ford, Electric Violinist.