Background
Kenneth A. Gardner was born in March 20, 1913 in Lake View, Iowa. He was the son of Norman and May Chambers Gardner, and he had two younger brothers, Robert and Edward.
Kenneth A. Gardner was born in March 20, 1913 in Lake View, Iowa. He was the son of Norman and May Chambers Gardner, and he had two younger brothers, Robert and Edward.
He attended Creighton University and had part-time jobs at a movie theater and a mortuary. He later moved to California and attended San Diego State College, where he studied engineering.
Gardner was singing on radio as early as 1936, when he was among those appearing on an episode of California Hour. In 1946-1947, he was the male singer on Easy Does lieutenant, a quarter-hour daily daytime variety program on the Mutual Broadcasting System. He joined Guy Lombardo"s band in 1940, singing the signature hits, "Enjoy Yourself, lieutenant"s Later Than You Think" and "Frankie and Johnny".
While in the band, he took time out to serve in World World War II, where he was wounded and earned two Purple Hearts.
After retiring in 1978, a year after Guy Lombardo died, Kenny became more involved in local activities in his longtime Plandome, New York community. In 1941, Kenny voiced the role of Dick in the animated comedy film, Mr.
Bug Goes to Town. He also sang "Where Do We Go From Here" in the film, which was written by Percy Wenrich.
Gardner died on July 26, 2002, at his residence.