Kimberlye McKinney is a woman of strength, power and unlimited energy whose music is defined as edgy, classy and fun. The female saxophonist, songwriter, and producer has a fresh sound, fresh face and steps over ordinary into extraordinary.
The native Georgian was raised in Birmingham, Alabama. Kimberlye was influenced at an early age by her father who noticed her artistic musical expressions at the tender age of two. By age seven she was performing piano recitals. With that go getter spirit deep within she knew she wanted more. At age eleven, Kimberlye switched her interest to alto and tenor saxophone and embarked on a path being a novice songwriter. She began to fall more in love with music, sitting in front of her record player and transcribing songs like El Debarge’s, “I like It” and Patty LaBelle’s, “If Only You Knew”. Kimberlye grew up influenced by musical greats John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Ronnie Laws, Bob Marley, Steel Pulse, Al Green, Chick Corea, Cannonball Adderley and a host of others. Gravitating to all genres of music, Kimberlye combines a plethora of influences that is embraced and felt in her music.
She attended and graduated from Shaw University located in Raleigh, North Carolina on a music scholarship and degree in English Studies and began working on her solo career yet while still an undergrad student. Kimberlye became recognized as a female jazz soloist with her first “Untitled” single produced by bass player Bernard Harris, which caught the attention of radio station WSHA 88.9 once it aired, receiving great responses from local as well as national listeners and was invited to the radio station to appear as a guest artist.
Kimberlye McKinney has shared the stage with well known gospel greats, jazz greats, R&B and Neo-Soul . Kimberlye attended a concert as a gift from Chella, a radio personality and was invited backstage where she met and played with jazz saxophonist Donald Harrison.
Currently, Kimberlye is a graduate student at Full Sail University in addition to returning to her grass roots in Georgia to launch her solo album. This lady has many great things in store for her future. A woman comprised of “eclectic” variations, Kimberlye McKinney is a treasure packed and running over with the rarest form of exquisite jewels you will ever discover in music!