A Mission music star will not be fading any time soon.
Country singer Kenny Hess was recognized for his contribution to the industry when he was inducted into the BC Country Music Association Hall of Fame this past weekend.
“It was awesome,” said Hess about the event at the Clarke Theatre Sunday night. “It’s neat to take your place in the history of country music.”
Hess, who began his musical career in 977, said the night “made me feel a little older than I am.”
All of it was just a part of the job, said Hess, who helped found the Rockin River Music Festival in Mission.
Hess said it was “a thrill” to hear his daughters sing his hit songs from the past.
“I’m very honoured they did that.”
Hess, who has been nominated for numerous awards, and has won several BC Country Music Awards, described the latest achievement as “a pretty big deal for me in my career.”
He explained he has been fortunate to have had a successful career and be recognized for it.
“I know a lot of people who also work very hard, like carpenters, but at the end, they don’t get a pat on the back or a welcome to the carpenter hall of fame.”
Hess celebrated his induction by going out with his dad and reminiscing about things they did together in the past. He explained it was his dad who introduced him to country music at the age of four.
Hess is continuing to write music and tour. His latest album, The Man I Am, was released seven months ago and there will be a new song out after Christmas, said Hess.
“It’s my 14th album. It’s a little scary. I remember the first one like it was yesterday, back in 1986.”
Hess will be on tour next week in the United States promoting his newest songs, but says he will be back home to support the annual Christmas at the Clarke concert on Dec. 17.
Other inductees into the BCCMA Hall of Fame this year were Lord (Chilliwack), Gerry King (Surrey, deceased), Rick Tippe (Maple Ridge), Terry Gray (Langley), Bill Rea (California, deceased), Sue Irving (Surrey), Les Redekopp (Surrey), Jim Howe (Surrey) and Dan Earl Knecht (Kamloops).
