Kevin's
All Heart
He's
got a reputation as a guy who really uses his brain, but there's a lot going on
in the heart of Backstreet Boys' Kevin Richardson, too!
Even
if he wasn't the oldest Backstreet boy, Kevin would probably still be the group
member with the most take-charge personality. From his days as a teenager
singing in cover bands in his native Lexington, Kentuacky, he's always been a
very ambitious guy. But Kevin's more than just smart and resourceful, he's
also a sentimental soul who knows what's really important. In fact, there
are a lot of cherished secrets he hides deep in his heart.
"Until
I was eight years old, I lived in Harrisburg in Mercer County, Kentucky on a
farm," he says. "When I was nine, we moved to a summer camp that
my father managed--it was a church camp. I was fortunate to grow up there,
I had tons of friends because every summer the camp was full of kids."
Childhood
was a great time for Kevin. He learned to ride horses, played lots of
sports and helped his dad, Gerald, whenever he could. He also listened to
music and learned to play piano. "I've played since I was nine years
old," he explains. "I taught myself and I play by ear. My
grandfather, my grandmother and all their brothers and sisters learned to play
piano by ear. My whole family sings and stuff."
Growing
up in a musical family, Kevin was exposed to lots of different genres--from the
gospel-tinged hymns he sang in church to the traditional campfire songs he
learned at his dad's camp. He was also influenced by the songs he heard on
the radio. "I've always loved Prince's music," he says.
"I like the Eagles, Van Halen, Aerosmith, Elton John, Billy Joel, Boyz II
Men, New Edition--I have a really wide variety of musical tastes. I just
love music, so it depends on what mood I'm in. I like rap. I like
alternative. I like rock and country. I really like it all!"
Kevin's
love of music and his desire to write and perform his songs brought him to
Orlando Florida soon after his high school graduation. It was there that
he heard about Backstreet Boys and auditioned for the group. He was also
responsible for bringing his cousin Brian into the group's stellar lineup.
These
days, with Backstreet Boys succeeding beyond his most ambitious dreams, Kevin
doesn't get home to Kentucky too much. But he makes a special effort to
keep the home fires burning. "I got to surprise my mom for Mother's
Day" with a visit, he explains. "I also got to go home for
Christmas this year. Last year we worked through Christmas. Every
chance I get I try to see my family, I try to see them two or three times a
year."
Although
Kevin's dad passed away in 1991, he still carries around the memories of his
father and his wonderful childhood everywhere he goes. "I always
bring pictures of my family." he says about his world travels.
"My father, my mother, my brothers and my godbaby." And although
participating in Backstreet Boys' rise to international fame has been the
crowning achievement of his life, there is one thing he'd exchange it for.
"The only (thing) I'd trade it in for is to have my dad back." he
says.
Of
course, Kevin's future includes lots of new music with Backstreet Boys.
Making people happy with his sweet singing is a dream come true. "I
just want people to like our music. When they flip on the radio and hear
one of our songs, hopefully it makes them bop around a little bit and smile and
sing along." he says. "That's great. That's what we
want."
On
a more personal note, Kevin would eventually like to travel a little less so
that having a relationship with a special someone could be a reality.
"I don't want to be out on the road all my life." he says.
"I want to have a family someday. Family, is very important to me
and, eventually, I'd like to have one of my own. I don't think I could
manage a family and be the kind of father I need to be when taveling out on the
road."
But
for now, Kevin's keeping his most treasured dreams hidden deep in his heart and
is busy getting down to the business of making Backstreet Boys and even bigger
success than they are today!