KEM

Chart topping artist KEM joins On That Note for a conversation about overcoming some of life's challenges early on and his enormous success in music . The Motown artist speaks on his chart topping success and tells some industry stories of his along the way. He speaks on the opportunity to meet one of his inspirations, Al Jarreau, and how KEM was still bussing tables at the Ritz Carlton when it happened.

Fast forwarding a bit the singer-songwriter has amassed ten number one records such as “Love Calls,” "It's You," "Lie to Me," and more which has made him a pillar in R&B. His albums, KEM, KEM Album II, and Intimacy, all earned him platinum and gold certifications.

Taking it back to his childhood he attributes names like Tom Browne and "Jamaica Funk" as a record that impacted his musical trajectory. KEM mentions his parents having Jazz records in the house and musicians like Michael Franks being a lot of what he listened to. KEM also discusses the parts of him he had to leave behind. After struggling with addiction he discusses using his faith to overcome alcohol and drug addiction which in turn changed his life.

KEM now owns and operates a non-profit organization called Mack & Third Foundation, dedicated to aiding homelessness in Detroit. KEM tells the story of the inspiration of the name and his time at the Detroit Rescue Mission back in the 90's that all played a part in his anthropological journey. He has been actively giving back to communities in Detroit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices