In a world of digital noise, We Are Just Human is a masterclass in raw vulnerability and elite musicianship. After three decades commanding global stages—performing for President Barack Obama and solidifying his reputation as a virtuoso of the Hammond B3 organ—Kenny Peagler steps into the spotlight, bringing his voice and songwriting to the forefront for the first time.
This debut vocal album features an unprecedented summit of Grammy-winning icons and virtuosic legends, anchored by visionary producer and master drummer Poogie Bell. The lineup brings together bass titans Marcus Miller, Victor Wooten, Will Lee, Bakithi Kumalo, and Jimmy Haslip, alongside powerhouse forces Lakecia Benjamin and Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez.
Lyric intimacy meets full-band power as quiet, unguarded moments sit shoulder-to-shoulder with massive, soulful grooves. This 9-song cinematic journey is a brilliant reminder that our shared humanity remains the most enduring melody of all.
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“I Believe” is one of the emotional anchors of We Are Just Human. Written by Grammy-winning drummer and producer Poogie Bell, the third single is a lush, heartfelt declaration of love and certainty.
Anchored by the warm, melodic bass of Will Lee, the track showcases Kenny Peagler stepping forward as a vocalist and songwriter for the first time. It balances lyric intimacy with full-band richness, with saxophone and guitar by Vincent Henry, organ by Skip Sanders, and pedal steel by David Spires adding depth and color.
At its core, “I Believe” is about trusting that the person you’re with is the one you’re meant to be with — a soulful, beautifully human expression of commitment.
May 12, 2026
Veteran soul critic Chris Rizik called the lead single "a tasty slice of country-influenced midtempo R&B" and praised Peagler as "a direct, earnest vocalist... possessing a classic soul tone that sounds just right."
"A comfortable entry in a year often…
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Apr 24, 2026
Veteran critic Brett Callwood highlighted We Are Just Human’s commitment to live performance and emotional depth, noting “a sweetness about Peagler’s music that is as reminiscent of Randy Newman and Neil Diamond as it is any soul and country…
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Mar 16, 2026
Acclaimed pianist and composer Kenny Peagler has announced the forthcoming release of his latest album, We Are Just Human, slated for June 12, 2026. The arrival of the full-length project will be preceded by a strategic sequence of…
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Oct 13, 2024
On July 9, 2024, pianist and composer Kenny Peagler was presented with the President Joseph R. Biden Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award at a ceremony held at Acme Feed & Seed in Nashville. The honor, reserved for those whose contributions to…
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Oct 5, 2024
In an era when jazz tributes are plentiful but often perfunctory, Kenny Peagler's Lush Life: The Music of Billy Strayhorn stands apart — not as homage, but as conversation. Stripped of orchestration and big-band grandeur, these solo piano performances move…
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Sep 13, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nashville, TN — September 13, 2024
Kenny Peagler Featured in Nashville Voyager Magazine
Kenny Peagler — pianist, composer, and vocalist — is featured in the latest edition of Nashville Voyager Magazine as part of its ongoing "Inspiring…
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Apr 8, 2024
Washington, D.C., February 12, 2024 – Renowned jazz pianist and singer-songwriter Kenny Peagler has released his latest single, Come Close to Me, a poignant and soulful tribute to the late guitar virtuoso Dean Brown. Produced and drummed by the…
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Apr 8, 2024
New York City, March 14, 2024 – In a stunning convergence of musical brilliance, renowned hit songwriter Valerie Simpson spotlighted the collaborative genius of artist June Van Duke and pianist-singer-songwriter Kenny Peagler. On the unforgettable evening of March 14, 2024…
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