"The career of Kenneth Edmonds, better known as Babyface, offers one of the clearest expressions of that truism: a body of work that echoes the past even as it reshapes the present."
"Edmonds co-wrote and co-produced End of the Road for Boyz II Men, and the ballad spent 13 consecutive weeks at No. 1, surpassing Presley's longstanding achievement."
"Edmonds's first band, the Deele, and their hit Two Occasions arrive at a near-twin distillation 55 years later: I only think of you / On two occasions / That's day and night."
Kenneth Edmonds, or Babyface, exemplifies how history rhymes in music. His career reflects a lineage of Black artists, starting with Otis Blackwell's 1955 hit 'Don't Be Cruel.' Edmonds emerged from a Midwestern tradition, akin to Cole Porter and Hoagy Carmichael, transforming personal emotions into impactful lyrics. His work, including 'Don't Be Cruel' for Bobby Brown and 'End of the Road' for Boyz II Men, showcases his dominance in pop music, emphasizing emotional clarity and vocal precision, while reshaping the narrative of Black male experiences in the industry.
Read at www.nytimes.com
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