Story and Photos by Patricia Hudson
At 16, (soon-to-be 17), Kendale Walker is a young woman with a talent for singing, songwriting, acting, and, oh yes, modeling. Her parents, Robbie and Jennifer Walker and siblings Ashlee and Tanner couldn’t be prouder of their up-and-coming artist. We were able to catch up with Kendale and her mom to ask what fuels this talented teen.
Mom and Dad, when did you first suspect you had a budding singer on your hands?
“We were at a grand opening and her job was to hold the door open, she would sing ‘Come on in’ to the tune of the frozen song, “Let it Go”, and customers kept telling us she could carry a tune. We really had no idea whether or not she could, so we decided to put her in some voice lessons and it took off from there. She was just seven years old at the time,” recalls Jennifer, her mother.
Kendale, from whom did you inherit your singing talent?
“My dad would say it’s from his years of singing in the shower! But I really feel like I inherited my singing talent from my great-grandmother. She was a singer in the church choir years ago, but my grandpa also loves to sing karaoke whenever he gets the chance.”
What made you decide to pursue a singing career?
“I had always wanted to sing the National Anthem at an Aggie baseball game as a little girl after watching someone do it at a Texans game on TV. When the opportunity finally presented itself, I had the best time! It wasn’t until afterwards that I realized that I wanted to start writing my own songs. I started doing it more and more frequently and kept working on singing covers as well. One day, a friend of my mom’s heard me sing and really encouraged me to start singing more in public. My mom contacted several local restaurants, breweries, and bars to get plugged into their live music line-up. Although some were skeptical at first because of my age, they still gave me a chance and it’s kind of blossomed from there. Now, I still sing whenever I get the chance, including singing the National Anthem at the Houston Astros, Houston Rockets, Houston Dynamos, and Houston Dash games. I just need to sing at a Texans’ game! Of course, the restaurants and breweries helped me to get my start! I have also performed at the Houston Rodeo…, not the big stage yet, but a girl can hope for it to happen one day.”
What genre of music do you cover?
“I love covering country, of course, and I really love any old 70’s and 80’s music, because of my mom.”
Favorite musical artists?
“I would have to say my all-time favorite is Reba McEntire, but I also love Kelsea Ballerini, Carrie Underwood, George Strait, Maddie and Tae, Danielle Bradbury, Dylan Scott, Taylor Swift and SO many more I could name…! Megan Moroney is a current fav, as well!”
When did you first begin composing your own songs?
“My very first song I wrote was when I was 8 years old. It was called Shooting for the Stars. It’s about encouraging people to follow their dreams and work hard but stay humble while doing it!”
What inspires your songwriting?
“It’s definitely changed over the years. I started writing to try and encourage others. Now, as I’ve grown up, I feel like I definitely write a lot about my life experiences because it really helps to get things off my chest. Sometimes, I’ll even write about things happening around me, so there’s definitely a lot of people that either have songs written about them or from their point of view!”
Do you play an instrument?
“I play the guitar and piano and accompany myself when I sing.”
How involved are you in your high school theatre arts programs?
“I am in theatre. I love the stage,” shares Kendale.” Her mother proudly adds, “Last year, Kendale was in Mary Poppins as Ms. Andrews and Bird Woman, and Spit Fire Grill as Percy Talbot. She was an Outstanding Singer Finalist, Tommy Tune Nomination for Bird Woman.”
How did your interest in acting begin?
“I feel like my acting interest began when I started doing theatre at one of my high school’s shows back when I was in third grade. I was part of ensemble in “Meet Me in St Louis,” and I loved it!”
Parents, how do you provide support for Kendale’s music career?
“We try to support her as much as possible, we go to every show she sings at and every performance she has.”
Have you been signed by a talent agency?
“Yes, I am signed with two agents: one in Texas and one in California.”
What are your future plans for your singing/song writing career?
“My future plans are to continue working hard, singing whenever I can, continue writing and acting every chance I can get, in hopes of one day being on the big stage. And maybe even getting seeing my name in lights!”
Mom, with such a busy schedule, how does Kendale fare academically?
“Kendale attends Cypress Woods High School, where she is a very good student. Her favorite subject? Good question; I’m going to say English,” muses her mother. “She is taking college courses and will graduate high school with an Associates’ Degree.”
Do you have college plans, Kendale?
“I do plan on going to college. As to where I want to go, I am leaning towards Belmont in Nashville, or Tennessee State! I plan to double major in Business Management and Music Business.”
