Ken Fobs Finds His Voice

Kenneth Fobs, 67, discovered his love for jazz performance later in life, transforming from someone who was ‘always too afraid to sing in public’ to a confident performer who has ‘pretty much gotten over it.’ His advice to older adults looking to try performing? ‘Get up the nerve … go ahead and enjoy yourself.’ Now preparing for his third solo show at Epiphany Center for the Arts on October 19th, Kenneth’s transformation shows what’s possible when you pursue your passion at any age.

How did you get to your current chapter of being a vocalist?

I got into performing late in life. Growing up in Hyde Park, I lived above a jazz trio that practiced regularly; I could hear Mr. McAfee and the group through the floor. But I was always too afraid to sing in public, so I only sang to myself.

After six years in the military, I got into computer security sales. A woman I was dating took me to see Messenger Past Midnight: The Marvin Gaye Story at ETA Theater. The way they presented it, with live music and storytelling, got me into theater mode. I started taking classes, loved it, and eventually quit my job after six years to pursue theater full-time.

I moved to New York for about six or seven years, but came back to Chicago when my mother was ill. I met Mark Burnell, my piano player, around 2003 when I was looking for musicians for a church show. We’ve been working together almost 30 years now. It was mostly open mics and small shows until two and a half years ago when someone suggested I join the Chicago Cabaret Professionals group. I submitted songs for their emerging artists showcase in 2024 and ended up winning it, which was a complete shock.

Who were the artists that most inspired your style?

My influences range from Frank Sinatra to Joe Williams to Shirley Horn, Ella Fitzgerald, King Pleasure, and Lou Rawls. I listen to a lot of older jazz, though I love all kinds of music: Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, everything.

For my warm-up routine, I always use Frank Sinatra’s “Live at the Sands” with Quincy Jones directing the Count Basie band. My brother told me to check it out years ago, and I sing along from the opening line to the end. That particular album helps me focus on breathing, phrasing, enunciation, and storytelling.

Music is about storytelling to me. I’m big on trying to understand what the song is telling me and presenting that to an audience. I want people to hear the story, not get lost in just the beat. I also had local influences—friends from theater, classmates like Joan Collazo who did our high school talent shows, and my buddy James who was a serious singer back then.

What are some of your favorite songs to perform?

I don’t have just one favorite because there are too many. Some include “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life,” “Honeysuckle Rose,” and a couple of Nina Simone tunes. I’m big into King Pleasure—if you’re not familiar, listen to “Moody’s Mood for Love.”

My repertoire mostly comes from the ’30s, ’40s, and ’50s. I can remember the songs but forget who wrote them because so many different people have recorded these tunes. I’m pretty good at learning lyrics—I think I got that from my dad, who my mother said knew the lyrics to everything, though I never heard him sing.

How has the industry evolved during your career?

I don’t really have a career yet—singing has just been like a pastime. I work full-time at the YWCA as a Job Developer, helping people find employment through government-funded workforce programs. I’ve been in workforce development for about 12-13 years.

It’s funny because I talk to people looking for work, and I ask them what they really want to do for a career, versus just finding quick money. I realized I was telling everyone else to do something they love while not following my own advice. If I could sing full-time, I absolutely would. It would be a great hustle if I could make sure I’m eating and staying warm in Chicago winters.

What does aging with attitude mean to you?

Just do it. This isn’t a rehearsal; life is short. Before every show, I tell myself: “Let’s just go do this because this might be the last time.”

Have some fun with it. If somebody asks who I think I am going up there, I’m Kenneth. My mother would say, “I’m Kenneth.”

Is there music in you? Check out Senior Planet’s monthly Songwriting Night! Details are here.

 

Photo: West Loop Entertainment and Epiphany Center for the Arts – The Sanctuary

NaBeela Washington, an emerging Black writer, holds a Master’s in Creative Writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University and Bachelor’s in Visual Advertising from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. She has been published in Eater, The Cincinnati Review, and others. Learn more at nabeelawashington.com.