Hi, I’m Darryl John Kennedy, an American composer and multi-instrumentalist with concerts and recordings around the world. I’m a self-taught renaissance man who has traveled to 50+ countries, studies multiple languages, plays 16 instruments, and has produced over 180 CDs across virtually every musical style. I represent America as an independent cultural ambassador, using arts and culture as a strategy to enhance the image of the United States. Better cultural relations make better foreign policy. My philosophy is to relate to the subconscious historical and cultural emotionalism of societies, creating friendships across opposing cultures to help resolve conflicts. I’ve seen the power of music to cross borders: my video Never Say Goodbye was viewed by over 80 million on a Russian program, and I’ve performed at Moscow’s Blue Bird Jazz Club and Red Square. I’ve produced cross-cultural projects like Voices from the Sand with Egyptian collaborators and spoke about cultural diplomacy at the United Nations. I was born into the music business; my first four steps were in tempo.

Darryl John Kennedy

Hi, I’m Darryl John Kennedy, an American composer and multi-instrumentalist with concerts and recordings around the world. I’m a self-taught renaissance man who has traveled to 50+ countries, studies multiple languages, plays 16 instruments, and has produced over 180 CDs across virtually every musical style. I represent America as an independent cultural ambassador, using arts and culture as a strategy to enhance the image of the United States. Better cultural relations make better foreign policy. My philosophy is to relate to the subconscious historical and cultural emotionalism of societies, creating friendships across opposing cultures to help resolve conflicts. I’ve seen the power of music to cross borders: my video Never Say Goodbye was viewed by over 80 million on a Russian program, and I’ve performed at Moscow’s Blue Bird Jazz Club and Red Square. I’ve produced cross-cultural projects like Voices from the Sand with Egyptian collaborators and spoke about cultural diplomacy at the United Nations. I was born into the music business; my first four steps were in tempo.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Darryl John Kennedy, an American composer and multi-instrumentalist with concerts and recordings around the world. I’m a self-taught renaissance man who has traveled to 50+ countries, studies multiple languages, plays 16 instruments, and has produced over 180 CDs across virtually every musical style. I represent America as an independent cultural ambassador, using arts and culture as a strategy to enhance the image of the United States. Better cultural relations make better foreign policy.

My philosophy is to relate to the subconscious historical and cultural emotionalism of societies, creating friendships across opposing cultures to help resolve conflicts. I’ve seen the power of music to cross borders: my video Never Say Goodbye was viewed by over 80 million on a Russian program, and I’ve performed at Moscow’s Blue Bird Jazz Club and Red Square. I’ve produced cross-cultural projects like Voices from the Sand with Egyptian collaborators and spoke about cultural diplomacy at the United Nations. I was born into the music business; my first four steps were in tempo.

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Experience Level

Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate

Language

English
Fluent
French
Intermediate
German
Intermediate
Spanish; Castilian
Intermediate
Russian
Beginner

Work Experience

Independent cultural ambassador-citizen diplomat at Self-employed / Darryl John Kennedy Productions
January 1, 1988 - Present
Represents the United States through cultural diplomacy; organizes concerts for U.S. Embassy staff; engages with international musicians; speaks on cultural diplomacy at the United Nations; promotes the arts to improve the image of the United States.
Professional musician / international concert and recording artist
January 1, 1976 - Present
Performs globally in concerts and on recordings; has produced over 180 CDs across various styles; travels to over 50 countries; collaborates with international artists.
President at Darryl John Kennedy Productions
January 1, 1989 - Present
Overseeing production and strategic direction for multimedia projects and cultural diplomacy initiatives; founded and leads the production company.

Education

Two years of studies in International Relations, Geography and Music at Cypress College; Long Beach City College; Golden West College
January 11, 2030 - April 29, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Government, Education, Professional Services, Non-Profit Organization, Travel & Hospitality