Awards & Recognition
Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith
Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith has earned recognition for his work in recording and live performance. He has contributed drums to six Grammy-nominated albums, including the Grammy-winning Joined at the Hip. He also served as co-producer on Wendy & DB’s 2023 Grammy-nominated children’s album, Into the Little Blue House. Kenny is a four-time Blues Music Award winner and the recipient of multiple honors from Living Blues and the Blues Blast Music Awards.
Grammy-Nominated Albums
Grammy-Winning Album
Blues Music Awards (Drums)
Grammy Recording Recognition
Kenny contributed drums to six Grammy-nominated albums, including the Grammy-winning Joined at the Hip. He also served as co-producer on Wendy & DB’s Grammy-nominated children’s album, Into the Little Blue House.
2004 — Grammy Nomination
Ladies Man — Pinetop Perkins
Best Traditional Blues Album
Contribution: Drums
2009 — Grammy Nomination
Chicago Blues: A Living History
Best Traditional Blues Album
Contribution: Drums
2011 — Grammy Winner
Joined at the Hip — Pinetop Perkins and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith
Best Traditional Blues Album
Contribution: Drums and songwriting
2012 — Grammy Nomination
And Still I Rise — Heritage Blues Orchestra
Best Blues Album
Contribution: Drums
2016 — Grammy Nomination
Muddy Waters 100
Best Blues Album
Contribution: Drums
2023 — Grammy Nomination
Into the Little Blue House — Wendy & DB
Best Children’s Music Album
Contribution: Drums and co-production
Blues Music Awards
Kenny is a four-time Blues Music Award winner for Instrumentalist—Drums, recognized by the Blues Foundation for his outstanding work behind the drum kit.
2021 — Winner
Instrumentalist—Drums
2023 — Winner
Instrumentalist—Drums
2024 — Winner
Instrumentalist—Drums
2025 — Winner
Instrumentalist—Drums
Living Blues Honors
Kenny is a 12-time Living Blues Critics’ Poll winner for Most Outstanding Musician—Drums. His honors span nearly two decades, including eight consecutive wins from 2008 through 2015 and four consecutive wins from 2023 through 2026.
Most Outstanding Musician—Drums
2008 • 2009 • 2010 • 2011 • 2012 • 2013 • 2014 • 2015
2023 • 2024 • 2025 • 2026
Blues Blast Music Awards
Kenny is a three-time consecutive Blues Blast Music Award winner, receiving recognition in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Selected Career Milestones
Kenny’s career includes prestigious performances and international cultural programs that reflect his influence beyond awards and recordings.
2008 — Kennedy Center Honors
Performed with Koko Taylor during the tribute honoring Morgan Freeman. B.B. King was also featured in the tribute.
2010 — U.S. State Department Cultural Ambassador Tour
Toured Africa as part of a U.S. cultural exchange program, performing and leading workshops for local musicians.
Explore Kenny’s Work
View Kenny’s official biography, performance reel, high-resolution photographs, selected press coverage, and professional media materials.