Kenny Roby is an American singer-songwriter based in North Carolina. He is the former lead singer and a founding member of 6 String Drag, a band that becomes one of the key forces behind the Americana and roots rock movement in the mid-to-late 1990s. The group also has six-string drag as the listed member name.

6 String Drag

As part of 6 String Drag, Roby helps shape the band’s songwriting and touring profile. The group plays a significant role in the early success of the E Squared label, which is started by Steve Earle and Jack Emerson. It tours nationally with Earle and other acts, builds a following on the east coast and in the midwest of the United States, and appears on the soundtrack to the Grammy-nominated film You Can Count On Me. Their E Squared release High Hat also draws strong critical attention.

Solo work and collaborations

After 6 String Drag breaks up in 1998, Roby continues as a solo artist and releases Mercury’s Blues and Rather Not Know, both described as critically acclaimed. He also records as Kenny Roby & Neal Casal. His album The Mercy Filter arrives in 2006 and moves away from the Americana sound of his earlier work, moving toward rock, experimentation, Beatle-esque grooves and soulful ballads. That record features Scott McCall, Mark O'Brien, David Kim and Ray Duffey.

Memories & Birds and later recognition

In 2013, Roby releases Memories & Birds, which he describes as almost a concept album. In 2015, he reunites the original members of 6 String Drag and releases Roots Rock 'N' Roll.

Reception and radio play

Roby’s writing and singing receive praise from publications including Billboard, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Boston Phoenix, The Washington Post, Option, No Depression and Performing Songwriter. He is also featured on NPR’s All Songs Considered and Acoustic Cafe, and receives national airplay on NPR, Americana and AAA radio stations. Ryan Adams cites him as an influence on his own work and on Whiskeytown, and also highlights Roby’s song Rather Not Know on All Songs Considered in 2004.