Kenny Nolan is a name that when you mention it, people say they loved his signatory hit “I Like Dreamin’”, but there is so much more to this prolific songwriter.  Best known for his era-defining hits "I Like Dreamin'" and "Love's Grown Deep," Nolan is also an award-winning songwriter whose work has resonated across generations and musical genres. His repertoire includes unforgettable hits such as "Masterpiece" by Atlantic Starr, "Shoot ‘em Up Movies" by The Deele and "Penny for Your Thoughts" by Tavares, to name just a few. One of Nolan's most iconic compositions, "Lady Marmalade," was recorded multiple times – by Labelle, Christina Aguilera/Lil’ Kim/Mya/P!nk and All Saints - each achieving number one success. In 2023, Nolan reissued two of his albums to streaming services for the first time.

It is a great thing to feature this Kenny Nolan on the cover of Cashbox Canada. He actually provided us with the original chart he was on in 1977 for “I Like Dreamin’” and we are honoured to have this interview.

We caught up with Kenny Nolan at his home in Calabasas, CA (near Los Angeles). Sounding like an artist in his 20s, he is youthful, passionate, enthusiastic and animated about his music and full of incredible stories. Nolan calls himself a ‘title writer’. 

“A title will come into my head and it will just motivate me.  I’ll sit down at the piano or on guitar and in a matter of two minutes I’m singing a melody and elaborating on the theme or title, “ he explained. One great story he told was about the writing of “My Eyes Adored You”, a chart topper for Frankie Valli. “I went to the library to get inspiration. I was looking for a title with the word Georgia in it as a lot of hits had come out with that name in it, Rainy Night in Georgia, Midnight Train to Georgia, Georgia on Mind, The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.  I found a book in the library entitled the Broadway Book of Musicals, so my title was supposed to be “Blue Eyes in Georgia.” (he also said he still has that book having never returned it to the library a comment showing his sharp wit.)

“Bob Crewe (MGM) had signed me as a songwriter at the tender age of 18 so when told me Frankie Valli wanted a new song I jumped on the opportunity. ”When I sang it I accidentally sang “My Eyes Adored You” instead of “Blue Eyes in Georgia", Frankie loved it and the title changed. A few years ago, I had another golden opportunity of introducing myself Paul McCartney and his wife at a chance encounter in a popular restaurant in LA. His wife, after hearing my name, said "my favourite song is My Eyes Adored You" and McCartney took it in stride. As a songwriter and a huge Beatle fan in my youth this was a moment in time that will forever stay in my heart." 

“I still love collaborating with producers, artists and select writers. The great thing about the new album is it was produced by my son, Brent Nolan in a studio we bought from Sergio Mendes and we now produce there with my son at the helm.”

And now the legendary singer and songwriter Kenny Nolan has released “Closer (Than My Shadow),” his first single of all-new material in more than forty years, via StarVista Music. The emotionally rich track will be available on all major streaming platforms and serves as the lead single from Nolan’s forthcoming album Oh, Peaceful Mountain.

Watch a listen to “Closer (Than My Shadow)" on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyXVZJI-9so

Oh, Peaceful Mountain will be Nolan’s first album of entirely new songs since the early 1980s, offering fans a rare and intimate glimpse into his present-day artistry while staying true to the lush melodies and heartfelt lyrics that made his earlier work so enduring.

Written by Kenny Nolan and produced by Brett Nolan, “Closer (Than My Shadow)” marks a poignant return to the spotlight for the artist whose timeless songwriting has defined generations. Reflecting on the creation of the new single, Nolan shares: “It’s really a heartfelt song. One day I was sitting in the studio at the piano and I thought of the line ‘Sailing on a wave of emotion’ and the whole song came to me, with a melody as well.”

Listen on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/track/6MbM5q5fubnhPkslzCZMCW

It was such an honor to feature  Kenny Nolan on the cover of Cashbox Canada. He actually provided us with the original chart he was on in 1977 for “I Like Dreamin’" so full circle for us all.

For more on the celebrated music icon Kenny Nolan visit:
starvistamusic.com/post/kenny-nolans-debut-album-now-available-for-streaming-for-the-first-time-ever