Ken Beasley has sure taken the long way 'round to end up on the NY singer/songwriter circuit. 

The native Texan’s entrée into music came by way of a classical men’s chorus, 80’s New Wave, flamenco guitar, and a car crash of cinematic proportions. 

After four years as president and soloist of the prestigious Irish Aires (a nationally respected men’s choir), Ken introduced a different take on popular music by putting together New Wave songs with stripped down, acoustic arrangements. He paired up with a friend and started playing small clubs in El Paso and surrounding areas, which eventually led to an unlikely collaboration with a rival duo that specialized in flamenco guitar.

At first listen, Ken fell in love with flamenco’s musicianship and 500-year tradition. He submerged himself in the study of the art and went on to tour with a new band, Sole´, featuring an all-flamenco repertoire and later releasing a self-titled EP.

After moving to Austin, Texas, and teaming up with a new partner, Ken began to shape his own musical style. Melding his flamenco guitar-playing with English lyrics and a “Texas” groove, he focused on writing songs, and performed throughout the region.

Fate took hold of Ken’s path in 1998, when while driving over a bridge between Austin & San Antonio, an 18-wheeler hit his car at full speed and hurled it off the edge, sending him plunging several stories into the Guadalupe River. Fortunately, despite the utter obliteration of his car, and requiring a large-scale emergency rescue , Ken survived the dramatic crash. However, the lengthy recovery forced him to scrap any pressing plans, including a decided move to Boston, Mass.

After a year, back on his feet but still itching to move east, Ken replaced Boston with New York City and soon found himself in Greenwich Village, among a purist group of songwriters who were some of the most talented he had ever heard.

Now, years later, Ken Beasley is an active & respected member of New York’s songwriter community and has shared the stage with such admired artists as Jack Hardy, Suzanne Vega, and David Massengil. He performs regularly with his bands, The KenBeasleyTones & Triangle, is a supporting multi-instrumentalist for fellow songwriters, and has also contributed music for theatrical productions and recording projects.

* Photos taken by Eli Kaplan