Kevin Rowland

Kevin Rowland (born August 17, 1953) is a singer, songwriter and former leader of Dexys Midnight Runners. Born in Wolverhampton, England, Rowland is an uncompromising and passionate performer wh

Kevin Rowland (born August 17, 1953) is a singer, songwriter and former leader of Dexys Midnight Runners. Born in Wolverhampton, England, Rowland is an uncompromising and passionate performer who has drawn on his Irish ancestry in much of his music. Rowland's first group, Lucy & The Lovers, were influenced by Roxy Music and turned out to be short-lived. His next project, Punk Rock act The Killjoys, were slightly more successful, releasing the single Johnny Won't Go To Heaven in 1977. Alienated by the punk scene, Rowland, together with Killjoys guitarist Al Archer, decided to form a new soul-influenced group, Dexys Midnight Runners.

When Dexys disbanded in 1987, Rowland recorded a solo album called The Wanderer which, together with its three singles, was a commercial failure. His next release was not until 1999 when he recorded a collection of cover versions called My Beauty, the cover of which depicted a heavily made-up Rowland in drag. Despite critical acclaim, the album again failed to sell. In 2003, Rowland reformed Dexys Midnight Runners and embarked on a successful comeback tour backed up with a greatest hits album.