In the subsequent years, while raising his family, he honed his craft in the recording studio with Ferlita-who was now a chiropractor but still dabbled in music-which led to gigs engineering music. He worked with Leon Patillo (singer for Santana) and he recorded the voice tracks at his home studio for contemporary Christian singer Bryan Duncan’s last album.

Around 2005, he contracted the rare, hard to control disease Pemphigus Vulgaris which is an autoimmune disease that he says, “took him to death’s door.”

The disease produces blisters and lesions, “It was in my mouth, in my throat, inside and out of me. I was literally bleeding to death.” Although he is recovering now, the disease is still very difficult to control.

The doctors call him a miracle because they have not found a cure for the disease and they can’t explain his turnaround from it.

Around 2008, unable to work anymore because of the disease, he was inspired by others to start the Elton John tribute band. People told him he sounded like Elton so he decided to go for it. This was right around the same time that tribute bands were really taking off and beginning to play at major venues.

“It’s an outlet. Music has always been therapeutic in my life. I was bed-ridden for three years, and now that I am doing this, it’s just a blast.”

They spent around 12-14 months putting the show together and debuted at a Hermosa Beach festival three summers ago.

“The Early Years” are Kenny as Elton John, Mark Servi is lead guitarist as Davey Johnstone, Isaac Johnson is second lead guitarist as Caleb Quaye, Bobby HQ Storm is the bass player as Dee Murray and Michael Thompson is the drummer as Nigel Olsson.

His daughter Sharlene, who also is a backup singer, manages and owns the group, “She runs the band. She guards my back and takes care of me.”

“I picked the early years of Elton because that’s style of music that influenced me the most. It also set us aside from the other Elton tribute bands. They cover Elton of today-and today his voice has a lot lower tone,” he said.

Kenny has spent a lot of time and has “done a lot of work” perfecting Elton’s voice, his costumes and mannerisms meticulously, and the band all take part to the tee, complete with bell-bottoms, platforms, glitter and sequins.

“Getting to play at these venues, and seeing all the people and the smiles on their faces, it just blows my mind,” he said.

“I’m 54 years old, and to be playing music and making people happy, what a treat it is.”

You can catch “Elton-The Early Years” July 27th at the Orange County Fair and September 7th at the LA County Fair. Visit their website at: www.eltontheearlyyears.com