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Kenny Vance Joins Tom Needham to discuss his upcoming PBS Airing of "Heart and Soul" on New York's Channel 13 at 6:30 PM on Sunday, September 22nd.
Growing up in New York, Kenny Vance was mesmerized by the allure of rock ‘n’ roll. By the age of fifteen, he was spending time at the renowned Brill Building, connecting with other singers and songwriters. Eventually, he co-founded the successful group Jay and The Americans, who had the unique honor of opening for both The Beatles and The Rolling Stones during their first U.S. performances.

Kenny remained a key member of Jay and The Americans throughout their eleven-year run, during which the group toured extensively and recorded fifteen albums. Their hits included “Come A Little Bit Closer,” “Cara Mia,” “She Cried,” and “Only In America.” After the group disbanded, Kenny embarked on a wide-ranging career, starting with producing the first record for Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, the duo behind Steely Dan. He went on to compose, supervise, and produce numerous scores and soundtracks for both films and television. Notably, he breathed musical life into the film about Alan Freed, “American Hot Wax,” by recreating 1950s and 1960s musical groups for the screen. The Planotones were originally formed for this film and made their first on-screen appearance.

Additionally, Vance served as musical director for “Saturday Night Live” and worked as music supervisor for films such as “Animal House,” “Eddie & The Cruisers,” and “Looking For An Echo.” As an actor, Kenny has appeared in films including “Hurly Burly,” “Billy Bathgate,” “American Hot Wax,” “Eddie & The Cruisers,” as well as Woody Allen’s “Manhattan,” “Stardust Memories,” “Crimes and Misdemeanors,” and “Husbands and Wives.”

Throughout his long and successful career in the entertainment industry, Kenny’s true passion remained singing. In 1992, he re-formed The Planotones, bringing his soulful vocals to new heights.

In recognition of his contributions, Kenny Vance was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2002, and in 2007, he was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame.

Kenny Vance's film, "Heart and Soul," celebrates the pioneering contributions of iconic 1950s artists such as Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, The Chantels, The Jive Five, and Little Anthony and the Imperials. Through this documentary, Vance pays tribute to the early doo-wop and R&B legends who shaped the sound of American music, highlighting their influence and enduring legacy in the world of rock ‘n’ roll.