b.2000

Atlanta, GA

MUsic

Jokes

Born in Atlanta, Kevin Oliver, Jr, is just a kid with a horn and something to say. He is a saxophonist and stand-up comedian currently pursuing an undergraduate degree at The Juilliard School. Kevin started performing at the age of 11. He started off busking in downtown Atlanta at sporting events, parks and street corners eager to share his gift with the world. He was inspired to keep playing by the happiness that he saw on the faces of people who stopped to listen and meet him. 

Kevin was a part of the inaugural year of NYO Jazz directed by Sean Jones and played concerts at Carnegie Hall and across Europe alongside Dianne Reeves and a big band of some of the brightest young musicians around the country. He was also selected as a YoungArts Finalist for 2019. He was cast as “Crying Man 1” in the Comedy Central sketch “What the World is Like When Your Phone Dies”.

Kevin recently released his debut double EP Prelude. This is his first recording project that combines music and stand up comedy. The EP has two sides. Side A is “The Mixtape” which Kevin describes as a “collage with an overarching story”. Side B is “Live From My Parents Living Room” which is a half hour comedy special recorded for his family and a handful of friends in his parents house.

Kevin has been inspired by his heroes Cécile McLorin Salvant, Charlie Parker, Dave Chappelle, and Donald Glover. He was inspired by how each of these artists played music or told jokes in a way that was not only entertaining, but refined and artful. Kevin is inspired specifically by Donald Glover and wants to dismantle the idea that performers can’t be great in multiple areas. His sound was inspired by old playbills that had acts like Miles Davis and John Coltrane on a double bill with comedians like Richard Pryor.

His ultimate goal is to cultivate meaningful engagement with art in the american comedic and musical traditions.  By writing and performing, he aspires teach people about american art traditions and make them laugh, cry, bop along and sing their little hearts out all while inspiring them to continue to lead meaningful lives; there is certainly meaning to life.