Ian Kewley

British singer-songwriter, keyboardist, Hammond organ player, French horn player, and musical director, born September 26, 1948, in England; died September 28, 2020, Perpignan, France (age 72). Known as "The Rev" or "Reverend" Ian Kewley.
A highly experienced British instrumentalist and songwriter, Kewley achieved his greatest success in partnership with Paul Young. In the late 1960s, he played keyboard for Samson, recording an album for Instant Records. Kewley moved on to Strider, a well-respected early 1970s band, which featured Gary Grainger, later Rod Stewart's guitarist. Kewley next recorded with Limey, a hard rock unit aimed at the USA market. This band also included guitarists Brian Engel and Garth Watt-Roy. Signed to RCA Records, Limey made two albums in 1976-77. With Watt-Roy, Kewley joined Q-Tips in 1979. This soul band was formed from the remnants of Streetband, and Kewley formed a songwriting partnership with the lead singer, Paul Young. When Young was signed to a solo contract with CBS Records, Kewley joined him as musical director of the touring group, the Royal Family. He co-wrote eight of the songs on Young's Between Two Fires and co-produced the record.
Later resided in Guernsey, UK, in the 1990s and had set up a recording studio with Young, and performed at the Fermain Tavern leading The House Band; then in 1999, relocated to Arles Sur Tech, France.
PRS IPI #: 76568044