Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist Ken Stacey and his Voice as Sweet as “Ambrosia”
Ken Stacey is an accomplished vocalist, guitarist, vocal arranger and coach whose career has included work with some of the most celebrated artists in popular music. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Stacey received no formal musical education and was preparing to attend law school when an invitation to join a band changed the direction of his life.
Stacey toured as a backing vocalist and acoustic guitarist with Elton John, including the Elton John and Billy Joel Face to Face tour. He was later selected as a backing vocalist for Michael Jackson’s This Is It concert production and appeared in the subsequent film—an opportunity he describes as his “10-year audition.” He has also performed as Ambrosia’s lead vocalist and acoustic guitarist and toured with Bobby Caldwell as a backing vocalist and percussionist.
His album credits include recordings by Michael Jackson, Elton John, Kelly Clarkson, Whitney Houston, Michael Bublé, Neil Young, 3 Doors Down, Bette Midler, Julio Iglesias, Luis Miguel and the cast of Rock of Ages. Throughout his career, Stacey has performed with artists including Billy Joel, Usher, Jennifer Hudson, John Mayer, Josh Groban, Jewel, Tony Bennett, Diana Ross, Tom Petty, Randy Newman, Phil Collins, Bonnie Raitt, Luther Vandross, Michael McDonald, Toto and many others. His work has also brought him together with renowned producers such as David Foster, Humberto Gatica, Phil Ramone, Howard Benson, Giorgio Moroder, Kenny Ortega and Robbie Buchanan.
As a vocal arranger, Stacey contributed to Celine Dion’s “Play Me Like a Love Song” and Kelly Clarkson’s “Silent Night,” both produced by Humberto Gatica. He arranged group vocal performances for American Idol, helped the Wojahn Brothers produce vocalists for Ford commercials and worked on an Apple retail convention featuring Tony Award winner John Lloyd Young and the Andraé Crouch Choir. Stacey also provided vocal coaching and talent evaluation for seasons 10 and 11 of American Idol and has privately coached performers including Kenny Loggins, Jason Derlatka, Kidd Quizz and Phil Nudelman.
Although Stacey once imagined becoming a ski instructor if music did not work out, his career followed a very different course. He humorously recalls being on the toilet when he received the invitation to join Elton John’s band, but considers becoming a father the most consequential event of his life, crediting his son with saving him.
Originally Recorded In: July 13, 2021
Remastered: 2026
