KENTUCKY

Kentucky is the musical project of Canadian singer-songwriter and producer Jordan Holman, based in Almonte, Ontario at his home and studio known as The Kentucky Bend. The unique sound of his music originates from a blend-and-reimagine of Rock, Ambient, Pop, Blues, and Singer-Songwriter, but the distinctive result is, by all accounts, his own genre: Northern Americana. Highlighted by soaring melodic vocals over unique chord changes, and dynamic and powerful acoustic and electric guitar work, Kentucky writes poetry-as-lyrics to match the music. Exploring themes of love versus fear, what is versus what could be, and the spiritual journey of the human spirit, fans of Gord Downie, Patti Smith, Tolstoy, Tom Petty, or Brian Eno would all find a place here to feel, think, contemplate, and enjoy.

Kentucky’s journey is as compelling as his music. After finally triumphing over a long near-death battle with drug addiction in 2020, and with a long career on lead vocals and lead guitar in a number of rock bands in Canada, the USA, and the UK, already behind him, Kentucky embraced his second chance at life as a second chance at music. His debut solo album, Second Chance Music (2025), chronicled that transformation, introducing his new story to a new audience by balancing gritty honesty with an
enduring sense of hope. Kentucky’s live performances are a testament to his talent and passion, connecting with every audience by combining unfiltered storytelling and captivating stage presence with energetic and improvisational performances. His audience spans generations, drawn to his ability to connect with them beyond the surface through his music, story, and off-the- cuff interaction.

Kentucky now has his well-reviewed debut solo album behind him, over 250 shows played across Canada in the past 3 years, a live album and a number of standalone singles released, several unique music videos produced (including one banned by TikTok!), and a documentary of his 2025 Tour-By-Boat of The Rideau Canal out for all to see. This summer, on July 1 (Canada Day), Kentucky is set to release his most passionate and uplifting single yet, “In Kingston Tonight”. It’s a tribute to the amazing musicians and musical community of Kingston both past and present, The Tragically Hip and their final show, and a call to all Canadians, musicians or not, to take what The Hip gave us and carry it forward in the hopes of shaping a Canada that may not be perfect but is always evolving, involving, and moving forward together.

After getting off the road on New Years Day 2026 and spending the past 6 months producing several EP’s and singles for other artists at The Kentucky Bend, Kentucky is getting back on the road across Canada for the second half of the year. After a few warm-up shows in June at CFB 8 Wing Trenton, the 1000 Islands, and his adopted hometown of Almonte, he kicks off his 2026 touring and the release of “In Kingston Tonight” with a headline performance at the municipal Canada Day celebrations in Brockville, ON. Kentucky then moves on to “The Canadian Promise: A Toonie Tour of Royal Canadian Legions” dates across Ontario throughout the year, a historic Tour-By- Boat Part 2, this time of the Trent-Severn Waterway in September, moves on the being the Monthly Musical Resident at the legendary Cove Inn in Westport, ON for the month of October, and will finally cap it all off as Via Rail’s Artist-On-Board from December 12-17, travelling on the historic train “The Canadian” from Toronto to Vancouver.