PREVIOUS GUESTS

Kathy Kozins

Kathy Kosins. Born in Highland Park, Michigan, in 1954, I grew up surrounded by the sounds of some of the greatest voices and musicians in American music. As a kid our home was filled with the vinyl recordings her parents loved — artists such as Dinah Washington, Thelonious Monk, Ahmad Jamal, and Sarah Vaughan, Billie, Ella, Frank, Tony and Sammy Davis JR. Although I didn’t fully understand the significance of that music at the time, those early sounds became part of the artistic foundation that would eventually shape my life.

My introduction to the world of music and culture was also deeply connected to my family’s history in Detroit. My dad owned Kosins Clothes, one of the most respected men’s clothing establishments in the region, not to mention the planet! The store catered to a remarkable clientele, including Motown legends such as Berry Gordy, Detroit politicians, professional athletes, entertainers, pimps, the Detroit Mafia and many of the city’s influential figures. With a large tailoring operation and dozens of skilled craftsmen. The store represented the artistry, elegance, and craftsmanship of a different era. As a kid working in the store, I absorbed the energy and personalities that surrounded me with a naturally curious mind. I vividly remember accompanying dad after dinner as he personally delivered custom-tailored suits to clients, including trips to Berry Gordy’s Motown mansion. Those experiences gave me a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on Detroit’s creative community during one of its most culturally significant periods.

At age 16, a trip to New York City changed my life. Seeing the Broadway production of Hair—the music, movement, freedom, and theatrical expression—sparked something immediate within me. At that moment, I knew I wanted a life in the arts. I didn’t yet know whether that path would lead through theater, performance, or songwriting, but the calling was clear.

My professional journey began in Detroit’s legendary recording scene. Walking into United Sound Studios—the historic studio where artists including Aretha Franklin and countless R&B legends had recorded—with nothing more than a cassette tape and the determination to become part of a project being recorded by the late Michael Henderson. My tenacity and persistence led to an invitation to become a background vocalist on Henderson’s album and eventually touring with Michael and his band. I became part of Detroit’s acclaimed Was (Not Was), the innovative group founded by Don Was, now President of Blue Note Records. During roughly 10 years of working with Don and the extended creative community surrounding the band, I sang backgrounds on numerous recording projects and collaborated with many of Detroit’s finest musicians, songwriters, and producers. Simultaneously, I was doing all sorts of national Radio and TV spots and joined SAG/AFTRA

After years in the studio and on the road, I expanded my artistic reach as a vocalist with a large jazz orchestra. I focused heavily on songwriting, writing for myself and for established recording artists. Working with co-writers in Los Angeles and New York, I pitched material to artists, managers, and record labels, resulting in a number of recorded songs and collaborations. Working at Capitol Records I wrote numerous songs across multiple albums for Gene Dunlap. Years later, one of those compositions resurfaced when rapper Trippie Redd sampled one of these songs creating a new chapter in my songwriting legacy and generating ongoing royalties through Sony ATV. That one track has had multiple millions of streams and who knew it would come back to “haunt” me!

I have released six commercially recorded solo albums and nearly 20 singles. My recent approach focuses on the single format, allowing each song to receive individual attention in today’s evolving market. My album Uncovered Soul inspires new interpretations and reimagined recordings, transforming existing works into fresh creative expressions.

Throughout my career, I have performed on prestigious stages throughout the United States and internationally, including the Blue Note at Sea, Blue Note Beijing, San Jose Jazz Festival, Exit Zero Jazz Festival, Detroit Jazz Festival, and numerous clubs, festivals, and concert venues across Europe. I also
toured extensively with the late, great jazz and blues vocalist Kevin Mahogany, performing throughout Europe and the United States.

In addition to my music, I am also an abstract visual artist. My artwork is deeply connected to my musical identity, and I describe the process as “visual jazz on canvas” — an improvisational dialogue between color, movement, emotion, and expression. I’ve even developed a creative master class “Improvisation on Canvas,” bringing together jazz performance and abstract art.

My next chapter ( literally) will be trying to write a book about my life as a creator and where the journey has taken me thus far…I have a title…..

Kathy Kosins. Born in Highland Park, Michigan, in 1954, I grew up surrounded by the sounds of some of the greatest voices and musicians in American music. As a kid our home was filled with the vinyl recordings her parents loved — artists such as Dinah Washington, Thelonious Monk, Ahmad Jamal, and Sarah Vaughan, Billie, Ella, Frank, Tony and Sammy Davis JR. Although I didn’t fully understand the significance of that music at the time, those early sounds became part of the artistic foundation that would eventually shape my life. My introduction to the world of music and culture was also deeply connected to my family’s history in Detroit. My dad owned Kosins Clothes, one of the most respected men’s clothing establishments in the region, not to mention the planet! The store catered to a remarkable clientele, including Motown legends such as Berry Gordy, Detroit politicians, professional athletes, entertainers, pimps, the Detroit Mafia and many of the city’s influential figures. With a large tailoring operation and dozens of skilled craftsmen. The store represented the artistry, elegance, and craftsmanship of a different era. As a kid working in the store, I absorbed the energy and personalities that surrounded me with a naturally curious mind. I vividly remember accompanying dad after dinner as he personally delivered custom-tailored suits to clients, including trips to Berry Gordy’s Motown mansion. Those experiences gave me a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on Detroit’s creative community during one of its most culturally significant periods. At age 16, a trip to New York City changed my life. Seeing the Broadway production of Hair—the music, movement, freedom, and theatrical expression—sparked something immediate within me. At that moment, I knew I wanted a life in the arts. I didn’t yet know whether that path would lead through theater, performance, or songwriting, but the calling was clear. My professional journey began in Detroit’s legendary recording scene. Walking into United Sound Studios—the historic studio where artists including Aretha Franklin and countless R&B legends had recorded—with nothing more than a cassette tape and the determination to become part of a project being recorded by the late Michael Henderson. My tenacity and persistence led to an invitation to become a background vocalist on Henderson’s album and eventually touring with Michael and his band. I became part of Detroit’s acclaimed Was (Not Was), the innovative group founded by Don Was, now President of Blue Note Records. During roughly 10 years of working with Don and the extended creative community surrounding the band, I sang backgrounds on numerous recording projects and collaborated with many of Detroit’s finest musicians, songwriters, and producers. Simultaneously, I was doing all sorts of national Radio and TV spots and joined SAG/AFTRA After years in the studio and on the road, I expanded my artistic reach as a vocalist with a large jazz orchestra. I focused heavily on songwriting, writing for myself and for established recording artists. Working with co-writers in Los Angeles and New York, I pitched material to artists, managers, and record labels, resulting in a number of recorded songs and collaborations. Working at Capitol Records I wrote numerous songs across multiple albums for Gene Dunlap. Years later, one of those compositions resurfaced when rapper Trippie Redd sampled one of these songs creating a new chapter in my songwriting legacy and generating ongoing royalties through Sony ATV. That one track has had multiple millions of streams and who knew it would come back to “haunt” me! I have released six commercially recorded solo albums and nearly 20 singles. My recent approach focuses on the single format, allowing each song to receive individual attention in today’s evolving market. My album Uncovered Soul inspires new interpretations and reimagined recordings, transforming existing works into fresh creative expressions. Throughout my career, I have performed on prestigious stages throughout the United States and internationally, including the Blue Note at Sea, Blue Note Beijing, San Jose Jazz Festival, Exit Zero Jazz Festival, Detroit Jazz Festival, and numerous clubs, festivals, and concert venues across Europe. I also toured extensively with the late, great jazz and blues vocalist Kevin Mahogany, performing throughout Europe and the United States. In addition to my music, I am also an abstract visual artist. My artwork is deeply connected to my musical identity, and I describe the process as “visual jazz on canvas” — an improvisational dialogue between color, movement, emotion, and expression. I’ve even developed a creative master class “Improvisation on Canvas,” bringing together jazz performance and abstract art. My next chapter ( literally) will be trying to write a book about my life as a creator and where the journey has taken me thus far…I have a title…..