Kenny Wayne Gentry: The Fretliners w Ken Gentry and The Companions

The Fretliners are a band defined by their songwriting—stories carried by powerful harmonies, dynamic arrangements, and a sound that feels both timeless and new. Their music leans into the tradition of acoustic string instruments but reaches well beyond genre, resonating with listeners through honesty and craft.

In 2023, they swept both the Telluride Bluegrass and RockyGrass band competitions—an achievement matched only once before. That fall, their debut self-titled album earned widespread acclaim, praised for its originality and heartfelt lyricism.

With songs that balance tradition and innovation, The Fretliners continue to chart a bold path forward, creating music that connects as deeply on record as it does on stage.

Heartful and Dedicated:
The Mississippi dew clings to the banks of the city, a barge pushes 100,000 tons of coal, and the voices of a storied history sing the melodies of Creole jazz, Appalachian string bands, and Deep Southern Blues....This is what its like growing up in St.Louis.

An early love of singing, writing poetry, and old music is where I come from. It's in my bones. It's in my songs, and it's the fabric of my life.

I have been performing since I started singing in my grandpa's church at an early age. Over the years I have played in many ensembles, with many different musicians, and in many different settings for various people. I know whole heartedly that I gleaned something from every musician and was honored by every turned ear. I once read that it's "not how you do something, but why you do something" and this is my why.... to connect with YOU, and for us to be in this music together.

Currently living in Carbondale Colorado, Ken enjoys a quiet life in the mountains full of inspiration and music. He plays full time in Elk Range, an original string band that has appeared on festival bills with Sam Bush, made an appearance on the Real Housewives of Orange County (truly a weird experience), and had 2 viral videos of over 7 million views for playing on a closed Colorado highway in a snowstorm in January 23. He is a featured multi-instrumentalist in The Hugh Phillips Band, who is currently on the country music charts and is recording out of Nashville, Tenn. He has a new project called “Modern Form” a folk-jazz ensemble that features Ken's original compositions, old folk ballads, and gypsy jazz of the 40's. He is lucky to play in various duos, trios, and ensembles. In addition to those projects, he loves playing solo and singing original music. In other words, “Music is Life” -Louis Armstrong