Al Jeremiah – An Amazing Singer, Songwriter, and Musician

Have you heard about the late iconic soul singer, Kenny Jeremiah and how he explored the R&B and Soul music genre in his lifetime?  If you know about Kenny’s love for music and his exploits on the charts, you won’t be surprised to know that Kenny’s younger brother, Al Jeremiah is also an amazing singer, songwriter, and musician.

A Brother’s Influence

Al Jeremiah’s journey into music can be said to have been inspired by other musicians and groups that sprung up during his formative years. He grew up being influenced by songs of the Righteous Brothers, Barry White, and Isaac Hayes but the most significant influence on his choice of music and genre would be by the group, the Soul Survivors.  The Soul Survivors is an American-owned but Philadephia-based R&B and soul group that was founded by natives Richie and Charlie Ingui with Al’s brother, Kenny Jeremiah, Philly’s Cool Soul Survivor.  This group ushered in Gamble and Huff music which gave way to TSOP, The Sounds of Philadephia.

Al Jeremiah attended Thomas A Edison High School and worked with AT&T until his retirement.  He married his neighbor Gail, whom he’s known since he was 15. Al shares that the highlight of his wedding to Gail was having the combination of his brother, Kenny Jeremiah, and Shirley Goodman perform. The two music icons were on a tour and the newly wedded couple, Gail and Al, were blessed when Kenny and Shirley performed “Shame Shame Shame”, which at that time, was hovering at the top of the charts. Al Jeremiah has always loved music but as a shy person, he didn’t put a lot of thought or effort into it. He was also consumed with his career at AT&T. However, during this time, he focused on writing songs, supporting his family, and basking in the glory of his brother Kenny, who had become a household name.

Retirement Fosters A New Career

Yet the shying away from music changed after Al’s retirement from AT&T, as he started receiving invitations to sing with his brother at several New Jersey area restaurants and pubs.  As Al came out of his shell, what began as reluctant action gave way for amassing a beloved following as he demonstrated his extraordinarily ability to perform and sing.  With the musical acts with his brother, success of the Jeremiah Brothers Band continued to accelerate with music gigs in the Hamptons and beyond. But as with so many performers, with 2020 came Covid-19 and cancellation of their future shows.

If the only blow Covid-19 dealt was the setback to the growing popularity of the Jeremiah Brothers Band or Al’s renewed interest in music through the cancellation of their shows then, they would have scaled through.  However, the bigger blow came to the family on the December 4, 2020 when Kenny passed away from complications of the virus. With Kenny’s death, Al has stepped up to carry on the legacy of the family, emotionally as well as through their music. He has been able to pilot his family through the storm while continuing the profound work and work ethic the family is known for. The video below is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Kenny and Al, the beloved Jeremiah brothers.

“Ken, my brother, you were “One-in-a-Million” to all of us.” – Al Jeremiah