Introduction
Kim Owens (born July 23, 1969), better known by his stage name Kemis an American R&B/Soul singer–songwriter, and producer. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, KEM was raised in Detroit, Michigan.
Biography
After finishing high school, KEM dealt with homelessness, addiction, and isolation from his family. He did not overcome these issues until he turned to spirituality and music, as he has said, "My career didn't take off until I connected with my spirituality. That's why I take time on stage and on the album to administer spirituality to people. That's one of the things that I am most proud of." Kem is also very well received by older listeners of R&B/Soul for his classy sound and not incorporating elements of Hip-hop music.
Career
He wrote, produced, and financed his self-released debut album, Kemistry, with his American Express card and singing top 40 cover tunes in a wedding band and waiting tables. He was later signed by Motown Records in November 2001, who re-released the album on February 25, 2003, and sold more than 500,000 copies nationwide. The album's only official single was "Love Calls". He followed his debut release with a second album, Album II, released May 17, 2005 and sold more than 500,000 copies nationwide. It included the hit single "I Can't Stop Loving You," a # 1 at urban adult contemporary radio, and the song "You Might Win" featuring Stevie Wonder on harmonica.
In 2013, he was featured on "My Favorite Thing," with American Recording Artist Ronald Isley which KEM wrote and produced. The song was the 2nd single from Ron Isley's album, This Song Is For You. In 2014, He sang the grammy nominated hit song ¨Nobody¨ on the syndicated daytime talk show Steve Harvey during the fourth season.
Discography
Studio albums
| Year | Title | Peak chart positions | Certifications | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | US R&B | |||
| 2003 | Kemistry
| 90 | 14 |
|
| 2005 | Album II
| 5 | 1 |
|
| 2010 | Intimacy: Album III
| 2 | 2 |
|
| 2014 | Promise To Love
| 3 | 1 | |
Holiday albums
| Year | Title | Peak chart positions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| US | US R&B | ||
| 2012 | What Christmas Means
| 64 | 9 |
Singles
| Year | Title | Chart Positions | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | US R&B | |||
| 2003 | "Love Calls" | — | 25 | Kemistry |
| 2005 | "I Can't Stop Loving You" | 84 | 20 | Album II |
| "Find Your Way (Back in My Life)" | — | 37 | ||
| "Into You" | — | 79 | ||
| 2010 | "Why Would You Stay" | 102 | 17 | Intimacy: Album III |
| "Share My Life" | — | 25 | ||
| 2011 | "If It's Love" (featuring Maurissa Rose) | — | 24 | |
| 2012 | "You're On My Mind" | — | 27 | |
| 2013 | "My Favorite Thing" (with Ronald Isley) | — | — | This Song Is For You and Promise To Love |
| 2014 | "It's You" | — | 49 | Promise To Love |
Awards and nominations
- 2005 Billboard Music Award win for Top Adult R&B Single of the Year: "I Can't Stop Loving You"
- 2005 Billboard Music Award nomination for Top Adult R&B Artist of the Year (lost to Fantasia).
- 2011 53rd Grammy Awards Best R&B Male Performance (Nomination)
- 2011 53rd Grammy Awards Best R&B Song "Why Would You Stay" (Nomination)