ATHENS, Ala. (TENNESSEE VALLEY LIVING) - From humble beginnings in Huntsville to working with Hollywood stars, it’s safe to say that music producer Kelvin Wooten knows his way around the industry after decades on the scene.
Wooten was born in a small town in Georgia but grew up in Huntsville, where his love for music was evident from an early age. He learned how to play several instruments, from tuba to piano to guitar.
"By my senior year in high school, I wound up arranging [music] for the band."
— Kelvin Wooten
That passion for all things music would manifest itself into something bigger, as he would go on to pursue a music-related degree at Alabama A&M University on a scholarship. But one fateful phone call, made while he was still a student, would become the launchpad for his professional career.
“I was skipping class and Raphael Saadiq called Spanky. And I just happened to be there that day. And Tony was looking for another keyboard player. And I just happened to be that guy...”
— Kelvin Wooten
Wooten’s early work with Tony! Toni! Toné! would go on to open many more doors with other artists across a range of genres, creating hit songs for stars like Anthony Hamilton, J. Cole, H.E.R., Jill Scott, Earth, Wind, & Fire, and more over the years.
More career highlights would come later down the line, as he earned several Grammy nods for his work with several artists. His first Grammy win would come in 2023, when Jazmine Sullivan’s critically-acclaimed comeback album, “Heaux Tales”, won for Best R&B Album.
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Aside from working with the stars, Wooten has made it a mission to pour back into the area he calls home. He works closely with the Huntsville Music Office to help the Rocket City find its rhythm.
“I serve on the music board, the Huntsville Music Office. So we’re able to just kind of see what the city needs and to have some sort of hand in what’s going to be happening next.”
— Kelvin Wooten
Also, through his company, Woodaworx, he is creating opportunities for the community to invest in their creative crafts.
From providing scholarships to students pursuing music degrees to opening his home studio to up-and-coming local artists to lay down tracks to one-on-one sessions to help creative minds find their rhythm, Wooten is cultivating a safe space for musicians across The Valley.
“I love seeing how music just brings people together. Music is that one thing.”
— Kelvin Wooten
You can learn more about Kelvin Wooten’s accomplishments and connect with him for professional development by visiting his website.
Also, follow him on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about what he has going on!
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