Twenty-three year old local singer and pianist Kevin Gullage made quite the impression on the American Idol Season judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan. Bryan said he was dazzled by Gullage’s smile and Perry stood up to give the NOCCA alum a standing ovation. Richie emphasized with his hands that the piano player’s rendition of Otis Redding’s “That’s How Strong My Love Is” gave him chills. Richie said he grew up with the song and told Gullage, “That song required exactly what you gave us.”

Gullage, who also attended Loyola University, is currently signed to Basin Street Records. In 2019, Kevin & the Blues Groovers became the resident artists at B.B. King’s Blues Club, New Orleans. The band roster includes bassist Tony Gullage (Henry Butler, Dr. John), Hammond B3 Player Brandon Adams (Kenny Neal), Guitarist Carlton Ross (Glenn David Andrews), Saxophonist Roderick Jackson (Kenny Neal), and Drummer Mac Carter (Jon Cleary). At age 18, Kevin was selected as the pianist for the 2017 Thelonious Monk All-Star Sextet performing alongside jazz legend, Bobby Watson. The same year, he was invited to perform with the multi-Grammy winning band Blues Traveler at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Kevin has appeared in several movies including The Last Laugh starring Chevy Chase and Burning Cane starring Wendell Pierce. His voice was also featured in the 2019 release of Disney’s Lady & The Tramp.

Stream his performance, which convinced the judges to send him to Hollywood, below. To learn more about Kevin Gullage and stream his OnBeat session with OffBeat, click here. 

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