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Local musician inducted into B.C. Country Hall of Fame

For country music singer Kenny Hess, home is where Fernie is.
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Local country singer Kenny Hess was recently inducted into the B.C. Country Music Association Hall of Fame. Here Hess stands with Ron Sanders (left)

For country music singer Kenny Hess, home is where Fernie is.

“Fernie is my home, it’s always been my home. When I tell any stories and say ‘back home’ it’s always Fernie. I can’t state it loud enough. All my greatest memories are of Fernie. All of them,” said Hess.

Having shared the stage with country legends Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Vince Gill and Tammy Wynette, Hess remains as humble as ever — even during his induction into the B.C. Country Music Association Hall of Fame.

After being informed of the induction, Hess’ daughters put together a montage of their father’s past thirty years contributing to country music.

“You see your life playing before your eyes and that’s when it really hit me,” said Hess. “I’ve been lucky enough to share the stage with all my heroes and you don’t really think about it until somebody points it out,” he said humbly.

Hess fondly recalls singing at senior homes in Fernie when he was just a boy.

“I remember playing the Elks Hall and the Legion Hall, and we did a lot at the old folks home. I went there almost every weekend and sang for the folks there until I was 13-years-old,” said Hess.

A few weeks ago, Hess made his way back to Fernie to put on a concert with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, bringing just under 1,200 people to the Fernie Memorial Arena to see them play.

“It was an amazing experience to come back home and play,” said Hess warmly. “There were people there that used to see me sing on stage with my dad when I was eight years old.”

He added, “I can’t thank all my friends back in Fernie enough for the last 30 years of support. It was so moving.”

Approximately $4,000 was raised from the concert to go towards local charities, but as of Monday, Hess was still waiting on final numbers.

If given the opportunity, Hess said that he would love to come back and play for Fernie.

Hess also remarked that he had never envisioned this life for himself but he’s grateful for every day.

“It makes me feel so good about what I’ve dedicated my life to,” said Hess. “I never wanted to be a star; it wasn’t something I knew much about.”

He laughs about the fact that he had never been to a concert before in his life until he opened for Charley Pride.

“I didn’t have a clue,” laughed Hess.

After so many years, Hess says he’s slowed down to about 100 shows a year — an impressive feat considering his staggering career.

Despite that, Hess is as thankful as ever.

“I’ve raised my children by living my dream and everything I’ve ever had is because of music and it feels like I’ve never had to work a day in my life,” he said.