Mr. Kenneth Wayne Baldwin

KENNETH WAYNE BALDWIN was one of seven children born to George and Marie Baldwin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Kenneth grew up on the northwest side of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and was a 1970 graduate of Custer High School. During his formative years he was a voracious reader and lover of music. As a youngster he was interested in social reform and was always eager to engage in philosophical discussion. After high school graduation Kenneth continued his educational pursuits at Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in pursuit of musical excellence and cul- tural enrichment. For the next four decades he devoted his professional and personal career to educational attainment, community development, politi- cal advocacy, and the field of music entertainment. Baldwin family life and religious principles were the foundation of Kenny's strong belief in humanity.' As a youth, he was a member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. W. J. Calvin. For many years Kenny worked to support initiatives providing affordable housing and healthcare in Milwaukee and other U.S. cities. His service on numerous community boards, provided a voice of reason and direction. He never sought to shrink from a challenge, nor retreat from an opportunity. At the heart of his passion was his music and creating the opportunity of sharing his unique perspective. It was at an early age that he began to demonstrate his talent as a musician. The Baldwin basement was quite noisy with the clanking of cymbals, and heavy drum beats. In fact Kenny's first paying gig was at the age of 14. Soon would come his movement onto the red velvet lounge scene, smoky bandstands, and all night jam sessions. Over the past few days friends have come to share years of stories about nights out at Stars hip, and balmy afternoons at Summerfest. Musicians re- call gigs and studio sessions that were supremely creative. What we all share, is the love that he so freely gave and that was so genuinely him. We will miss his humor, compassion, story telling, pause, intellect and perhaps most of all his enormous heart. We will never forget the impact that he has made on the local music scene, and perhaps the inspiration for some late night soul. We cannot measure the lives he's touched, nor the smiles for which he may have been responsible. We can be assured that the thought of him will continue to bring a chuckle, if not a tear as we fondly remember, our brother, our friend, and the one we call Kenny.

Mr. Kenneth Wayne Baldwin

December 3, 1952 - September 18, 2015