By Deborah Chatham
Les Kerr, a Mississippi native and current Nashvillian, has released his 12th album, Child of HWY 90. Kerr spent his adolescent years in Pascagoula, Mississippi, where the likes of Elvis Presley inspired him to pursue music. After graduating from Ole Miss, Les established a career in broadcast journalism in Mobile, Alabama, before moving to Nashville in 1987 to become a full-time musician. Les frequently returns to play venues along the Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana Gulf Coast. He just celebrated his 33rd Annual Mardi Gras Show at the Bluebird Café in Nashville, Tennessee. Les Kerr also contributed an article to The Southland Music Line in 2024.
Les, who describes his music as “Hillbilly Blues Caribbean Rock and Roll,” has taken a departure from his classic sound on this album. While staying true to his early form and influences, Les has created a nostalgic and introspective album. The title track, Child of HWY 90, is easily relatable to those who live and grew up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Hwy 90 created a well-worn path to Mobile, Alabama, on the east and New Orleans, Louisiana, on the west. Growing up in Pascagoula, Mississippi, before Interstate 10 was built, Les traveled Hwy 90 to destinations unknown that provided new experiences for the budding musician. Several other songs on the album have Gulf Coast references, including We Belong in Love, Cicada Enchiladas, and Heaven, Alabama, which Kerr co-wrote with Charlie Monk, “The Mayor of Music Row.” Monk asked Kerr to write with him on several occasions, with Heaven, Alabama becoming one of the last songs Monk would write before his death in 2022. This song tells the story of a young girl who decides to leave her small town to experience a different life. Not surprisingly, the town of Heaven has quite the reaction to her life choices.
Top photo: Front cover of Les Kerr’s latest album (photo by Jay Ferchaud); Above photo: Back cover of latest album (photo by Deborah Chatham)
The album is a rich tapestry of themes and tempos. Bundle of Blankets, for instance, sheds light on the often-overlooked homeless community. Told with respect and empathy, this song’s lyrics provide a window into the life of an individual who makes his way despite limited resources. For sheer fun, You Can’t Learn Honky-Tonkin’ delivers the right upbeat tempo and vocal lilts that make you want to clap and sing along. Church Hurts is a quiet, introspective window into the heart of one who has known loss and experiences that loss each Sunday in church.
Homegrown Symphony, a duet co-written and performed with longtime collaborator Tammy Vice, provides just the right balance of energy as the performers playfully alternate lyrics. We Belong in Love, skillfully provides a love song with a sense of “quiet knowing” over the more frequently depicted “unrequited love.” Overall, the album offers a cohesive sound that readily connects each song. Child of Hwy 90 embodies the skill and emotion, as well as the tempo and pace of an experienced singer/songwriter.
Always one to appreciate and value his past and friendships, Les made sure to include many long-time Nashville musicians, singers, songwriters, and friends on the album. This collaborative spirit not only enriches the album but also makes the audience feel connected to the music. In addition, he enlisted the help of Pascagoula High School friends with the album photographs. Jay Ferchaud provided the front cover photo, and Deborah Chatham (yours truly) snapped the back cover photo. Child of Hwy 90 is available on most streaming services, and CDs can be purchased at Kerr’s live performances and on his website at www.leskerr.com. For an enjoyable listening experience, be sure to check it out.
Sherri Johnson, Les Kerr, and Deborah Chatham
