Artist Spotlight: Ken Ford
Ken Ford, known worldwide as The King of Strings, is a trailblazing electric violinist who’s redefined how audiences experience the instrument. From performing for Maya Angelou to sharing stages with icons like Stevie Wonder, Jill Scott, Ledisi, and Frankie Beverly, Ken’s vibrant fusion of jazz, R&B, funk, and soul electrifies every crowd he touches.
A St. Louis native raised in Atlanta, Ford transformed his classical violin foundation into an energetic stage presence that rivals rock guitarists. From The Jackson Five and Earth, Wind & Fire concerts to his father's DJ gigs, Ken was immersed in music. Ken's parents recognized a special gift in their only child one night when they overheard him at a party, playing along with an Al Green song note for note on a toy keyboard - long before his first music lesson! From that point on, they kept an instrument in his hands and eventually led him to the stringed instruments, and at the impressionable age of nine, he settled on the violin. Throughout school, Ken trained classically to play the violin, which led him to becoming a founding member of the DeKalb Youth Popʼs Orchestra. He would also train himself how to play by ear by mocking the popular music heard on the radio. These experiences heightened his determination to continue his training to master the instrument. Always progressive with his music, Ken joined the African American Philharmonic Orchestra (AAPO) where he had the rare opportunity of performing background orchestral styling for the late, great Barry White. While a member of the AAPO, Ken had the honored privilege to work his way to, and hold the position of Concert Master.
He’s graced the Grammys, ESPN’s Heisman Awards, the Capital Jazz Festival, and the NFL Super Bowl, bringing charisma and fire to every note. With five acclaimed albums—including Burnt Toast, Chevelle Lane, Right Now, State of Mind, and Eleven— Ken continues to top the charts.
In addition to creating unique music and entertaining music lovers Worldwide, Ken aspires to give back to the community through his nonprofit, The Ken Ford Foundation, to bring music back into the schools, with a focus on stringed instruments. Ken hopes to inspire young kids to think the word "cool" in association with these instruments, especially the violin.
Despite Ford's undeniable success, he remains to be true to himself and he continues to be grateful and knows that there is still room to grow in his craft as Ken Ford, The King Of Strings!
“Ken Ford doesn’t just play the violin—he sets it ablaze.”
More exciting announcements are on the way — the lineup continues to grow! Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram & TikTok, sign up for our festival newsletter, and tune in to the NCSGJ Music Festival internet radio station to catch the next artist reveal and stay fully updated on all the latest festival happenings.
