Kitt Wakeley

Kitt Wakeley (born July 3, 1979, Memphis, Tennessee) is an American composer, songwriter, and producer[1] based in Edmond, Oklahoma. Wakeley is an Indie Channel Music Hall of Fame inductee. His songs Conflicted, Sinners and Saints,[2] and Forgive Me[3] were hits on Billboard Charts.

Kitt Wakeley
BornJuly 3, 1979
Memphis, Tennessee
NationalityAmerican
OccupationComposer, songwriter, and producer

Early life and education

Wakeley was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He grew up in Holdenville, Oklahoma, where he was raised by Jack and Linda Wakeley at the age of 8. He completed his bachelor's degree in Pre-Law and Sociology and Masters in Public Administration from East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma.[4]

Career

Wakeley started his career in 1987. He wrote, produced, and recorded songs for the rock band Mydion, based in Oklahoma City, until 1998.

In 2013 Wakeley released his first solo album under the pseudo-name AudioKaoz, titled Cinematic Chaos. It was a hybrid of rock and EDM.[5] He also became a member of the National Academy of Recordings and Sciences (NARAS) and Grammy Voter.

His second album was released under his real name, titled Midnight in Macedonia. The project was recorded in 2015 in Skopje, Macedonia, with Macedonian Orchestra and Choir.[6] He released his third solo studio album called Symphony of Sinners and Saints,[7] recorded at the Abbey Road Studios in London, with the Royal Philharmonic and London Voices.[1][8]

The project was on the first round of Grammy ballots in four different categories: Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, Best Arrangement Instrumental A Capella, Best Instrumental Composition, and Best Rock Performance.

The first three releases from the album hit number one on the Billboard Charts' Hard Rock Digital Sales, while at the same time hitting other Billboard Charts such as Rock Digital Song Sales and Hot Hard Rock Songs Chart.

The album itself hit number one on Billboard's Crossover Classical and Classical Charts, hitting the categories of Heatseekers, Hard Rock Albums, Top Rock Albums, Top Current Album Sales, Top Album Sales, Independent Albums.

Selected discography
  • Queen of Hearts – Fairy Tale Gone Bad
  • Mydion – Ashes and the Angel
  • AudioKaoz – Cinematic Chaos
  • Midnight in Macedonia
  • Symphony of Sinners and Saints[9]

Awards
Award TitleYear Won
Indie Music Hall of Fame2021
Josie Music Awards, Musician of the Year2020[1]
Josie Music Awards, Producer of the Year2020
Hollywood in Music and Media Awards, Gospel Song of the Year2019
Hollywood in Music and Media Awards, International Singer-Songwriters Awards2019
Hollywood in Music and Media Awards, Best Album of the Year2019
Indie Channel Music Awards,[1] Best Instrumental Album2018
Indie Channel Music Awards,[1] Artist of the Year2018
Indie Channel Music Awards,[1] Best Producer of the Year2018

Personal life

Wakeley was married to Stephanie Enyeart in 1992. The couple divorced four years later. In 2009, he married his wife, Melissa Wakeley. He has four children, including Alex Wakeley, Nikki Wakeley, stepson Austin Herd, and stepdaughter Lyndy Herd Kitt.

He also has a sister named Tasha.[6]

Wakeley currently resides in Edmond, Oklahoma.

References
  1. "MULTI-AWARD-WINNING COMPOSER KITT WAKELEY EXCLUSIVELY PREMIERES "CONFLICTED" Feat. JOE SATRIANI". Rock 'N' Load. February 26, 2021.
  2. McDonnell, Brandy. "Oklahoman Kitt Wakeley topping charts with new album 'Symphony of Sinners and Saints'". The Oklahoman.
  3. Wakeley, Kitt. "Kitt Wakeley Releases New Single "Forgive Me" Featuring Joe Satriani On May 14". www.prnewswire.com.
  4. "Kitt Wakeley, the head-turner in music". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com.
  5. "Triumphant Chaos" – via soundcloud.com.
  6. "Oklahoma siblings separated as young children, find each other after 40 years, living just one mile apart". May 18, 2021.
  7. Cristi, A. A. "Composer Kitt Wakeley 'Symphony Of Sinners And Saints,' Out May 21". BroadwayWorld.com.
  8. Rabinowitz, Chloe. "Kitt Wakeley to Bring SYMPHONY OF SINNERS AND SAINTS To Carnegie Hall in October". BroadwayWorld.com.
  9. McDonnell, Brandy. "Oklahoma composer Kitt Wakeley tops classical charts with new album and more music news". The Oklahoman.
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