Kevin Greaves, a trailblazer in New Zealand’s country music scene who had captivated audiences with his exceptional talent and energetic music performances, peacefully died on December 30, 2023. The passing of Kevin Greaves has left an indelible space in the music industry that will never be refilled.
What happened to Kevin Greaves?
Kevin Greaves passed away peacefully on December 30, 2023, at around 1:35 a.m. after his long three-year battle with the life-threatening disease, Cancer. Kevin’s family has shared their heartfelt message in which they announced his death and expressed their gratitude for the love and support people had given for Kevin’s treatment. Kevin Greaves has left behind his beloved wife Pandora, sons Kayton and Lukas, brother Lex, daughter-in-law Anna, sister-in-law Donna and niece Kayla.
Who was Kevin Greaves?
Kevin Greaves was born in Weymouth in 1956. At age 4, he developed his passion for guitar. Throughout his childhood, he believed that his father was no less than a superstar. His parents’ vast collection of records always captivated him, including their likes for Hank Williams, Lefty Frizzell, John Cash, and various collections of Grand Ole Opry. His family regularly attended the Auckland Country Music Club in Mt Roskill War Memorial Hall. During his teenage years, he joined his father’s Christmas show tour and supported Tennessee Ernie Ford at the Auckland town hall. Kevin then became the bass player for his brother’s dance band. Later, Kevin served as guitarist and musical director for Lou Clauson.
In replacing singer Dave Cowell, Kevin extended his music to pop and rock-n-roll at solo gigs, which led to his solo career. From Monday to Saturday, he used to perform at venues, including Potter’s Wheel and Portage Trust, where he plugged his microphone and guitar into his Gunn amplifier.
He remained connected to his schedule of performing solos seven days a week for the next 14 years. He served seven days at the Tiara restaurant in Royal Oak and seven years at the Airport Inn and Gateway Lodge in Manukau.
In the 1990s, he released his cassette titled” Coming Home”. The project was shot in a small studio behind Peter Van Gent’s Greenlane music store, featuring his Saturday night band in the restaurant. He showed his collaboration on songs with Davis and Cowell through his cassette. Kevin later received a call from Jack Gale, the head of playback records in Nashville, asking him to come to Nashville for his song record. He then records with Gale,” I’m not scared of women”. The songs earned widespread recognition with no.15 on the regional chart.
Kevin Greaves had maintained his regular spot in various bustling bars of the music city and performed with Alan Jackson and Brad Paisley. Before returning to New Zealand in 2008, he collaborated with young Blake Shelton and released his remarkable albums recorded in Nashville and Auckland.
Amelia Warner
Amelia Warner writes all the Latest Articles. She mostly covers Entertainment topics, but at times loves to write about movie reviews as well.
