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Keb’ Mo’:
A Little Mo’ Music

published March 2002

When Grammy Award-winning recording artist Keb' Mo' was approached by Sony Wonder to record a children's album he had second — and even third — thoughts. For many years he had listened to kids' music with his now 14-year old son, but admits that he "didn't really like children's records. After a while they just became annoying to everyone else in the house."

Surprising words from a musician who received a Grammy Award nomination this year in the "Best Musical Album for Children" category for Big Wide Grin.

So what changed his mind? Impressed with the integrity that Kenny Loggins had brought to his children's album, Return To Pooh Corner, Mo' decided to take the plunge, and chose to record Big Wide Grin, a compilation of cover songs and original tunes that would bring families together.

Kevin Moore was born in Compton, in South Central Los Angeles (he now lives in Santa Monica), and assumed the street name Keb' Mo' in honor of his love for the blues. His passion for music began in high school, where he played about everything that wasn't nailed down: trumpet, French horn, upright bass and steel drums, plus the guitar that was given to him by his uncle at age 12. "I would play the triangle if they'd let me!" he says.

Mo's parents were nervous about his fascination with music, and their mantra became, "Kevin, this is supposed to be a hobby — not a living."

But play on — and make a living — he did, through an indifferent pop career that finally took off when he gave up, let go, and simply played what he wanted to play. He is known for his mastery of the blues, but follows his own direction and refuses to be musically pigeonholed.

Keb' Mo' with Kevin Jr.

Mo' says that Big Wide Grin is a product of all that has gone before in his life. "I was from a broken home and created another broken home," he says. "My recordings and life in general are about repairing that, and learning about commitment."

"The album," he says, "reflects the reality that families aren't perfect. You deal with the circumstances dealt and make the best of it." With that in mind, Sly and the Family Stone's "Family Affair" became the album's cornerstone song: One child grows up to be somebody that just loves to learn / And another child grows up to be somebody you'd just love to burn / Mom loves the both of them you see it's in the blood.

Not your usual family fare? Mo' takes the approach that "children are little adults, and adults are big children. In making this record we took into consideration an awareness of the fact that these kids are not kids, but thinking little people."

All the songs on the album celebrate unconditional love, support and strong role models. Chic Street Man's "Everybody Be Yoself," which Keb' Mo' recently performed on Sesame Street, offers a universal message: Everybody gotta high, everybody gotta low / Everybody gotta be yoself, no matter where you go.

Other cover songs on the album include the O'Jays' "Love Train," Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi" (featuring son Kevin Jr. on harmony vocals), and Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely." Mo's splendid original tune for adoptive parents and kids, "I Am Your Mother Too," includes the following lyrics: And though you came from the womb of another / We will care for you / Life is your sister / And love is your brother / And we are your family too.

The response to Big Wide Grin has been "phenomenal." According to Sony Wonder, the album has sold about 70,000 copies to date (pretty good for kids music). In addition to the Grammy nomination, the album received a 2001 NAPPA (National Parenting Publications Awards) Gold Award.

The little "side project" children's album even delayed Mo's newest release, The Door, which received a Grammy nomination this year for Best Contemporary Blues Album. Mo' also recently completed a Hank Williams tribute along with Bob Dylan, Beck, Sheryl Crow and others; and a Johnny Cash tribute is in the works. He's also excited about a real musical departure for him: singing a Shakespeare sonnet for an upcoming Royal Academy of Dramatic Art benefit CD.

Is another children's album in Mo's future? "Man, I'd have to sit down and really think about that one," he says. " It's not in the stars right now."

Until then, he's content to focus his attention on the "kids' music" in his own family: Judging from the happy picture on the back of the CD liner sleeve. Dad and Kevin Jr. are doing just fine. "He's really a good drummer," says the proud father. "He blows me away sometimes!"

Musician, song stylist, writer, father, and spiritual human being, Keb' Mo' has learned the meaning of commitment. Big Wide Grin is a reflection of that commitment and supports and cherishes the child in all of us.

Big Wide Grin; For ages 5 to 12. $16.98 CD, $9.98 cassette. Phone 1-800-221-8180 or www.sonywonder.com.

— John Wood