Ken Lyon was born in Newport, Rhode Island in 1941 to jazz drummer and
methodist preacher Walter Lyon and classical singer Ruth Popple. The
stage was set for his musical journey at an early age. Sing-alongs with
his grandparents at the family piano, singing at his dad’s church,
vocal studies with his mom and the acquisition of a guitar, a Stella
acoustic, contributed to his avid interest in all things musical.
Shortly after making his professional debut as “Calypso Ken” in 1959
at the height of the folk-revival, he made his first single for Dot
Records. This lead to a second single and national tour for Epic
Records in 1961. Upon his return, Ken became a a familiar face on the
Cambridge folk scene centered around Harvard Square and worked with
such up and coming stars as Tom Rush and The Charles River Valley Boys.
After a two-year stint in the Navy, Ken moved to Greenwich Village in
1964. He made a lifelong friend in Richie Havens who showed him the
ropes. He was soon performing at such legendary spots as Cafe Wha? and
Cafe Bizarre playing his by now signature folk-blues. By 1967, eager to
explore the electric side of the blues, he formed the original version
of The Tombstone Blues Band with Mark Taber and Duke Robillard. These
two endeavors, each showcasing one side of this multi-talented
performer, were the most crucial of his career. He became a favorite on
the northeast coffeehouse scene which resulted in the release of his
first album, “Ken Lyon In Concert” on Decca. The band evolved into one
of the first jam bands in the country and their sell out club dates
resulted in a deal with Columbia. “Ken Lyon & Tombstone” was a
best-selling LP and the single, “Sing Song City”, charted around the
world. They toured America with Queen and Mott the Hoople and became
national stars.
In 1975, Tombstone disbanded and Ken decided to concentrate on his
family and a teaching career. By 1990, he was ready to return to music
and he’s been a regular on the scene ever since. He continues to
explore his acoustic roots as a solo performer and as a member of
Celtic greats Pendragon. He also slipped back into his rock ‘n’ roll
shoes, performing with new versions of Tombstone and other blues-rock
outfits such as The Outriders.
Today, in addition to performing with Pendragon, Ken leads a regular
blues jam at Chan’s jazz club in Woonsocket and has recently unveiled
his latest, eclectic acoustic band, The Shoe Fly Orchestra.
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