You bad, dad

>> Kenny Bobien is the world's coolest father

by KRISTA

"I always wanted to be an entertainer. It was always a dream that I knew was going to happen. I knew it was going to come true," singer/songwriter/producer Kenny Bobien tells me over the phone from his Newark, NJ home. "I wasn't professionally trained, aside from what I learned to sing at church or in school, but I've been singing since the age of three. It's just what I was meant to do."

Kenny has an incredibly smooth, ultra-relaxed phone voice that evokes an image of a strong, fatherly type. And apparently, the voice fits the image, because Kenny, singer, songwriter, and dance-music producer par excellence for labels like Soundmen on Wax and King Street, is also a father of five, with number six on the way.

"I love kids," he says in a tone so chilled out it's hard to believe he's already a five-time dad. "Children are such a blessing. It's just so incredible to watch a little you walking around and know that you're responsible for their whole existence. Kids become your whole life--all you want to do is just make them happy and make their life comfortable."

But where on Earth does a mega-successful, 15-year veteran of the music business, who has appeared on Soul Train, worked on a movie soundtrack, and sung back-up for Celine, find time for parenting amidst the hectic performance schedule and studio sessions?

"Oh, it's hard. I do a lot of travelling--everywhere," Bobien admits, sounding about as relaxed as seems humanly possible. "Sometimes the kids don't want me to go, or I have to stay somewhere longer than anticipated, but that's the way it is, you know? It pays the bills."

Does nothing stress this guy out? "I've been really blessed in my life. I have a successful career doing something I love, I have a beautiful family with someone I love. What else is there?"

Is Kenny Bobien, like, the most inspirational individual in the world or what? Perhaps we should all take a moment to think about the saying, "Spread love and it will be returned to you ten-fold." Not only is Kenny one of the most sought-after voices in the world of underground music, but he has also realized his dream of running his own label, which he named Kentertainment. And the first release from Kentertainment is called, fittingly, "I Thank You."

Kenny Bobien performs live at Jello Bar, Thursday, Nov. 9 with Jerome Sydenham and jojo flores(R)