“Looking for an Echo” was more than a song—it was his life. Smithsonian Associate Kenny Vance talks legacy, harmony & heartbreak on The Not Old Better Show.

Heart & Soul: Kenny Vance, Singer, Songwriter, Film Maker 

The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series

“They were my heroes. And then they became my friends.”

In this moving new episode of The Not Old Better Show, we’re honored to welcome musician, producer, and doo-wop preservationist Smithsonian Associate Kenny Vance—a voice behind Jay and the Americans and the filmmaker behind Heart & Soul: A Love Story.

Smithsonian Associate Kenny Vance shares a deeply personal account of his lifelong connection to the music of the 1950s and ’60s—harmonies sung on street corners, friendships formed in rehearsal halls, and the artists who paved the way for today’s pop and R&B but were left behind by the industry.

Kenny Vance will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates on June 22, and the title of his presentation is “The Story of Doo Wop.” However, we have Kenny Vance with us today!

This episode isn’t just about music; it’s about legacy, resilience, and honoring voices that shaped a generation. Kenny also opens up about losing his home during Hurricane Sandy and how salvaged tapes and footage helped him begin again—with purpose.

For all of us who love music, film, storytelling, or anyone who believes in the power of cultural memory, this is a masterclass in what it means to preserve not just a sound, but a spirit.

🎧 Tune in now! Check out Kenny Vance at Smithsonian Associates June 22, and here is story on The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates interview series!

#DooWop #MusicHistory #SmithsonianAssociates #LegacyWork #Podcast #NotOldBetterShow #KennyVance

https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/story-of-doo-wop