Myles Kennedy is an American singer, guitarist and songwriter from Boston, Massachusetts, raised in Northern Idaho and Spokane, Washington. He works in rock, hard rock, post-grunge, blues and folk, and is known for a career that spans band projects, session work and solo releases.

Early life and background

Kennedy studies music theory at Spokane Falls Community College and also works as a guitar instructor in Spokane. He begins his music career in 1990 as the lead guitarist in the instrumental jazz ensemble Cosmic Dust.

Band projects

His first band after Cosmic Dust is Citizen Swing, with whom he releases two albums before the group ends in 1996. He then forms The Mayfield Four with fellow Citizen Swing member Craig Johnson, taking on lead vocals and guitar. That band releases two studio albums before splitting in 2002.

In late 2003, Mark Tremonti asks Kennedy to join Alter Bridge, and he formally joins in 2004. In the band, he is lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, and he records seven studio albums with them.

Work with Slash and other projects

Kennedy begins working with Slash after contributing to the guitarist’s solo album and later becoming Slash’s vocalist on tour. He fronts the touring and recording project Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, which releases four studio albums. He is also involved with Kings of Chaos.

He has worked as a session musician and songwriter, making both studio and live appearances with several artists. In 2012, he steps in at short notice for Axl Rose at Guns N’ Roses’ Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. He also takes part in an informal jam session with former members of Led Zeppelin while Alter Bridge is on tour in 2008, although that group does not develop further.

Solo career

Kennedy releases his debut solo album, Year of the Tiger, in 2018, followed by The Ides of March in 2021.

Selected discography

His recorded work includes Journey with Cosmic Dust; Cure Me with the Groove and Deep Down with Citizen Swing; Fallout and Second Skin with The Mayfield Four; and Alter Bridge albums including One Day Remains, Blackbird, AB III, Fortress, The Last Hero, Walk the Sky and Pawns & Kings. With Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, he records Apocalyptic Love, World on Fire, Living the Dream and 4.