Kevin Junior

American singer-songwriter Kevin Junior (Gerber), raised in Akron and later based in Chicago, led the Chamber Strings and released acclaimed pop/rock albums. He collaborated with several figures from the alternative scene, struggled with heroin addiction, and died on January 18th at the age of 46.

Raised in Akron, Ohio; moved to Chicago as a young man; early bands included the Mystery Girls and the Rosehips; leader of the Chamber Strings. Collaborated with and was close to Nikki Sudden and Epic Soundtracks; also connected with Rowland S. Howard and Jeffrey Lee Pierce. Influenced by Marc Bolan/T.Rex, Ronnie Wood/Rod Stewart, Johnny Thunders, and compared to the Kinks and Big Star. Chamber Strings albums 'Gospel Morning' (1999) and 'Month of Sundays' (2001) highlighted in reviews. 'Ruins (A Collection of Rarities, B-Sides & Outtakes)' was released by Sunthunder Records in 2009. Struggled with heroin addiction; passed away on January 18th at age 46.

Kevin Junior (Gerber) was an American singer-songwriter and leader of the Chamber Strings, raised in Akron and later active in Chicago. He released acclaimed albums with the Chamber Strings (Gospel Morning, Month of Sundays) and a rarities collection Ruins. The reviews praise his songwriting and note collaborations with figures from the alternative scene while documenting his struggle with heroin and an early death.

For:Fans of indie/alternative rock, power pop and garage-influenced songwriting; readers interested in music biographies and rarities.