Career
Keen was born in Ealing, London. Before joining Thunderclap Newman, Keen shared a flat with and worked as a chauffeur for Pete Townshend of The Who. He is famous among fans of The Who for writing "Armenia City in the Sky" which was recorded on the album The Who Sell Out (1967). This was the only song The Who ever performed that was specifically written for the group by a non-member.'Armenia City in the Sky' was, apparently, inspired by a long-lost painting back in the 1960s. His first recorded song, however, was the 'Club of Lights' Reaction single by Oscar. He also notably wrote "Something in the Air" for Thunderclap Newman and recorded 2 solo albums for Track and Island both of which have been released on CD recently by Esoteric (Cherry Red). 'I promise you' from the second album was used in the American TV series,'The big C'. Keen was later a record producer for The Heartbreakers and Motörhead.
As a session musician Keen played for others such as, Rod Stewart, The Mission and Kenny G. He also provided music for television advertisements and television programmes such as The Zoo. As a writer, apart from 'Something In The Air' - which has been covered by numerous artists, he wrote songs for Oscar (Club of lights), The Swinging Blue Jeans (Somethings Coming Along) and Crokodile Tears (Your Love).
Keen died of heart failure in March 2002, at the age of 56.
Read more about this topic: John "Speedy" Keene
Famous quotes containing the word career:
“I seemed intent on making it as difficult for myself as possible to pursue my “male” career goal. I not only procrastinated endlessly, submitting my medical school application at the very last minute, but continued to crave a conventional female role even as I moved ahead with my “male” pursuits.”
—Margaret S. Mahler (1897–1985)
“They want to play at being mothers. So let them. Expressing tenderness in their own way will not prevent girls from enjoying a successful career in the future; indeed, the ability to nurture is as valuable a skill in the workplace as the ability to lead.”
—Anne Roiphe (20th century)
“A black boxer’s career is the perfect metaphor for the career of a black male. Every day is like being in the gym, sparring with impersonal opponents as one faces the rudeness and hostility that a black male must confront in the United States, where he is the object of both fear and fascination.”
—Ishmael Reed (b. 1938)