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Burns at a rally for Jon Ossoff's Senate campaign in 2020

Kenny Burns (born October 29, 1972) is an entertainment industry executive, television and radio host, lifestyle specialist [1] and entrepreneur. [2]

Early life

Burns attended Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington, D.C., before attending Morris Brown College. At Morris Brown, he founded promotions company "2620 Music", which introduced music artists Outkast, Jay Z and Notorious B.I.G. to the Atlanta music scene.

Career

In 2004, Burns partnered with Derek Dudley and Ryan Glover to launch men's clothing line Ryan Kenny; it landed them in Black Enterprise's February 2005 issue for the 75 Most Powerful Blacks in Corporate America. [3] In 2005, Burns founded record label Studio 43, [4] signing Wale as his first artiste. [5]

Burns served as Senior Vice President of Brand Development for Combs Enterprises, [6] the entrepreneurial arm of entertainment mogul Sean Combs. Brands included Ciroc Vodka, Sean John, Bad Boy, REVOLT TV, Combs Wine and Spirits, AQUA Hydrate, DeLeón Tequila and Enyce. [7]

In 2017, Burns expanded his business portfolio by investing in and advising Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, the award winning and fastest-growing American Whiskey in US history. [8] [9] In 2021, Burns acquired ownership in the Haitian cremas inspired LS Cream Liqueur. In 2022, Burns partnered with Spearhead Group, the first African-made spirits company, which produced Vusa Vodka and Bayab Gin. [10]

References

  1. ^ Complex. "PROMO: Kenny Burns: Making Black History Every Day". Complex. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
  2. ^ Atlanta producer and brand developer on why entrepreneurs are thriving in the region - Atlanta Business Chronicle (bizjournals.com)
  3. ^ "Kenny Burns Talks Revolt TV, Working with Diddy and Being the 'Lifestyle Specialist'". Black Enterprise. 20 April 2015. Retrieved 2015-12-11.
  4. ^ "Former Roc-A-Fella Exec Kenny Burns Launches New Label". Hip-Hop News, Rumors, Rap Music & Videos |AllHipHop. 7 April 2006. Retrieved 2015-12-11.
  5. ^ "Rising Icons » Tastemaker: Kenny Burns". uptownmagazine.com. Retrieved 2015-12-11.
  6. ^ "WATCH: Kenny Burns & Black Enterprise Celebrate the 'Good Life'". Black Enterprise. 23 April 2015. Retrieved 2015-12-10.
  7. ^ "Combs Enterprises |". www.combsenterprises.com. Retrieved 2015-12-10.
  8. ^ "best in category 2023 – ASCOT | Awards". Retrieved 2024-03-13.
  9. ^ "2023 Awards | Whiskey Tasting Events". www.whiskiesoftheworld.com. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
  10. ^ Burns, Kenny. "Kenny Burns - The "Lifestyle Specialist"". www.prnewswire.com. Retrieved 2024-03-13.