Maine Guitarist Ken LaVoie

Guitarist, singer, songwriter, author

Biographical Information

Kenneth F. LaVoie III
Born: 9-20-1965 in Providence, R.I.
Instrument: Guitar
Favorite Band: Rolling Stones
Favorite Musician: Keith Richards
Influences: Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Brent Mason, Ry Cooder
Real Life Influences: My father and Kevin Fallon

Awards:

Pine Tree Country Music Organization

"Instrumentalist of the Year" - 2000 & 2001
"Modern Country Band" 2000 & 2001 (as lead guitar for Cherokee Band)
"Modern and Traditional Country Band" - 2001 (as lead guitar for Cherokee Band)
"Modern and Traditional Vocal Group" - 2001 (as lead guitar for Cherokee Band)

Country Music Organization of America

"Instrumentalist of the Year - United States" - 2000
"Rising Star, New Country" - 2000 (as lead guitar for Cherokee Band)

Ken LaVoie began playing guitar when he was ten years old, focusing on old folk tunes, beach boys and Elvis. In 1977, Ken moved to Rhode Island with his Dad who bought him his first guitar and introduced him to the more complex and emotional overtones of the blues and rock and roll.

Ken remained a "closet musician" until 1997 when an employee of his lawn care company asked him to audition for the country band he was in, called "Cherokee". Ken did so and was accepted. He then spent the next 2 years transitioning from rock n roll and blues to the twang of country, trading in his Stratocaster for its twangier cousin the telecaster.

Performing on-stage at the
CMOA Eagle award competition in Las Vegas.

Cherokee continued its stealthy climb, gaining popularity and winning many state-level music awards from the Pine Tree State Country Music Association. In 1999, Ken won "instrumentalist of the year" from the same organization and was given the chance to compete, along with the Cherokee Band, in Las Vegas at the Country Music Organization of America's annual competition. Ken won "instrumentalist of the year" - his "crowing achievement". It was while in Las Vegas that he also met his future wife, Debbie Lee.

Soon thereafter, he took a hiatus to raise his daughter with his wife Debbie. Now, in 2010, Ken is back on track, practicing for a solo or duet gig, marketing his second book, "Hold Daddy's Hand," and playing the part of a semi-retired entrepreneur. (Semi-retired means he takes weekends off once in a while!)

Ken also owns in Winslow as well as , which specializes in web design and hosting services.

Maine Guitar Player, Song-writer and Author Ken LaVoie