Ken Crutchfield was born to a family of drummers on the south side of Chicago. His father worked around the Chicago area for years, eventually backing such artists as Muddy Waters and Bo Diddley. After starting a family, Freddy Crutchfield, passed on his talents to his sons, Freddy Jr. and Kenny Crutchfield, Ken beginning his lessons from his dad at the age of two years old and were introduced to several drummers' style like Max Roach, Art Blakley, Joe Morello and Tony Williams among others. Later Ken and his brother would meet Max Roach and trade drum solos with him at a drum clinic; the event landing in Jet Magazine.
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While in high school, Ken began working and recording with local bands. One of which was signed to Brunswick Records. After graduating from high school, Ken enrolled in the The American Conservatory of Music and began playing in pit orchestras for musicals that came into town while attending the Conservatory. There he played his first musical, "A Chorus Line."
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He was later asked to go on the road with "The Wiz" which led to "Ain't Misbehavin'" with Nell Carter and his moving to California where he recorded and/or performed with such artists as Hank Crawford, Eddie Harris, Noel Pointer, Della Reese, Bennie Maupin and Joe Tex. While residing in California, Ken received his B.M. degree in music from the University of Southern California.
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Later, Ken joined the original cast of "Ain't Misbehavin" on Broadway which brought him to New York. There he worked on such musicals as "Jelly's Last Jam," "Smokey Joe's Cafe" and with Jazz artists such as Lester Bowie and David Murray. Ken would later receive an M.A. degree in Jazz performance from Queens College where he studied under Sir Roland Hanna. Ken recently toured the United States with "Ain't Misbehavin' starring American Idol winner Reuben Studdard and featuring Frenchie Davis of American Idol, Rent and The Voice.  He played drums on the cast CD which was nominated for a Grammy at the 52nd annual Grammy Awards in 2008.
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Ken's talents extend far beyond music. He is also a songwriter, poet, playwright, actor and teacher. He has written four plays (Lorna's Lounge, Balloon On A String, The Great Kickin' Dog and Vanishing) having three produced off-Broadway. His poetry has been extolled by the international Poet, Barry Wallenstein.
This latest project, The Bones Venture, was conceived and written (script and music) by Kenneth Crutchfield.  The goal of this witty musical comedy is to bring a little joy and laughter to the world in the midst of current economic and societal hardships.

ALL GOD'S SAINTS GO TO HEAVEN - NOT! 

 A thrilling, controversial, mystical, comedy/drama, expressionist in nature and at times surrealist with exciting contemporary Gospel music.

 

SAYMAN'S GHOST

A wildly and raucous comedy about a man's lust for an ex-girlfriend coming alive through his conscious mind.