Kenneth Swindell

He grew up in Savannah, Georgia where he discovered his love for playing the trumpet at the age of thirteen. He graduated from Beach High School in 1962 and attended Savannah State College (SSC), majoring in music education. He matriculated there for two years under the guidance of the band director. While attending SSC, Ken played in several bands, which included the Rhythm Makers, the Matt Terrell Combo, and other groups that were playing light Jazz and dance music.

Ken relocated to New York in the late 1960s and played in various bands in New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Boston. He eventually joined pianist Duke Pearson's rehearsal band, which included two other master trumpet players. Afterwards, he realized that a degree in music was vital, Ken graduated from City College with a degree in music education in 1979. He also completed some graduate studies at Hunter College. While residing in New York, Ken had varied gigs that include playing in the musical Ain't Misbehavin' at the Crossroads Theater. (He toured extensively in the Caribbean with the aforementioned show.) He performed with the Yambo and The Latin Extension and was a member of the Apollo Theater House band. Ken was an original member of T.S. Monk's band. Ken was a trumpet player with the musical Purlie for three months in Atlanta. He also played with the Clifford Jordon Big Band, Joe Panama's Latin Ensemble, and the Harlem Renaissance Big Band. Whether in a big band setting or leading his own band, Swindell Plus, Ken was in his comfort zone. He also taught full time in New York's public school system as well as teaching private music lessons to students. His love for music inspired many young musicians under his tutelage.

In 2005, Ken relocated to Houston, TX with his wife Patricia. During his time in Houston, he taught private lessons to trumpet and piano students and also was a vital member of his church’s praise and worship team.

Kenneth is preceded in death by his sister, Susette Swindell Jones of Decatur, GA. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife Patricia Swindell of Houston, TX; two sons Kenneth Carl Swindell (Jacinta) of Bronx, NY and Rasheed Swindell (Iris) of Denver, CO; daughter Storm Baird of New York, NY, and step-daughter Delarenta Morman (Johnny) of Houston, TX; his cherished grandchildren, Sacred of Raleigh, NC, Elijah and Miles Baird of New York,NY, Aniya-Marie Morman of Houston, TX, Brandon Swindell of Denver, CO, and Sebastian Swindell of Bronx, NY; parents Salome Jenkins and Johnny Swindell of Savannah, Georgia; brother Johnnie Ivan Swindell of Decatur, GA; nephews; nieces; and a host of cousins, aunts, uncles and other loving relatives and friends, all of whom will miss him dearly and remember his legacy.

"There are no goodbyes for us...Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart." – Gandhi