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Kent has had the good fortune of having many mentors who were important in shaping his life - providing guidance, and several heroes that have inspired him. Growing up, Kent's father owned the largest oil hauling truck company in east Texas, McNeel Trucking Co. For Kent and his brother Mark, they had to make a choice: either the oil business or the music business.
Choosing music, Kent and Mark wrote songs together and were eventually asked by record producer Wayne Shuler to record on Capitol Records. They were produced by Wayne as well as Glen Campbell's producer Al Delory in 1968. "I was at the studio the night they cut 'Wichita Lineman' - it was indeed a magic moment!" (it was also Glen Campbell's first Number One record).
In 1970, Kent and Mark went to American Studios in Memphis to sign with producer Chips Moman. Chips was producing Elvis Presley, BJ Thomas and Neil Diamond at that time. It was an exciting time to be at American Studios with writers like fellow Texan and friend Mark James who wrote "Suspicious Minds", "Hooked On A Feeling", "Always On My Mind" (with Wayne Carson and Johnny Christopher) and Mac Davis. Chips went on to produce Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson and Ringo Starr and others.
In 1976, Kent co-wrote a book with Mark Luther entitled "How To Be A Successful Songwriter". It was the first book of its kind that actually interviewed hit songwriters. Published by St. Martin Press, it is still considered one of the best books for songwriters and their craft. Each writer interviewed in the book had to have at least one Gold Record. Many well-known songwriters are interviewed such as Mac Davis, Tom T. Hall, Henry Mancini, Kenny Loggins, Kenny Rogers, Paul Williams, Barry White, Seals & Crofts, Billy Preston, Barry Mann & Cynthia Weils (who wrote "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling") as well as Broadway's amazing Sherman Brothers who (who wrote music for "Mary Poppins", "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" and Disney's "Winnie The Pooh"). "How To Be A Successful Songwriter" is still in many libraries and colleges across the U.S.A. as well as being sold on the internet.
Kent wrote songs for Buddy Killen at Tree Publishing (now Sony/Tree Publishing). "Miss You In Memphis" (co-written with Tom Lunar) was played at Graceland, in Memphis during Elvis Week in 1985 at the candlelight ceremony. "Miss You In Memphis" was the first song to be played at Graceland that was not and Elvis Presley song! Many fans still ask for this song even now. Kent has decided to launch www.MissYouInMemphis.com where the song, sung by George Brooke Shields can be purchased and downloaded instantly (as well as George's full-length CD).
"Born With It" is another one of Kent's favorite songs he wrote and was released on "NFL Country" - a CD with NFL stars and country music stars. Packers' Super Bowl champ Brett Favre provided backing vocals on the song with country star Steve Azar singing lead. Kent co-wrote "Born With It" with Steve Azar and Kim Venable.
Kent has truly been involved with some unique songs: Elvis - and the NFL!
Today, Kent is working with Tim Gregath, founder of an organization called We Are Building Lives, which is helping veterans (both male and female) get a "leg up" and reach their potential and live drug-free lives. "I was given help with my addictions and as a veteran, I feel the need to give back. It makes me feel good to see people recover - and beat their addictions", Kent says.
Kent has found certain characteristics in the artistic people he has worked with throughout the years - number one, respecting others - as well as curiosity, creativity, independence, conviction, perseverance and a sense of a higher power.
Kent's last thoughts: "Find your passion, follow your heart, and don't let anyone tell you that you can't achieve your dreams and goals. Believe in yourself and never give up."
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