Singer-songwriter Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, renowned for his enormous contributions to music through writing and producing some of the industry’s most significant hits, recently shared an exclusive insight with PEOPLE about a different facet of his life – fatherhood. As he prepares to embark on Uncle Charlie’s R&B Cookout tour alongside icons Charlie Wilson, El DeBarge, and K-Ci Hailey, Babyface took a moment to reflect on his role as a parent to his three children: sons Brandon and Dylan and 16-year-old daughter Peyton.
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In a candid conversation, Babyface revealed that his children are in the process of discovering his musical legacy. Despite his immense success and recognition in the music industry, to his children, he is simply “Dad” rather than the legendary “Babyface.” The 67-year-old artist expressed that his offspring are still exploring his musical contributions, with his sons gradually delving into his work and offering suggestions on his music. Babyface remarked, “I’m just Dad, not so much Babyface. I’m Babyface to other people sometimes.”
While Babyface has delved into themes of fatherhood in his past works, notably on the title track of his 1996 album “The Day,” he admitted that he doesn’t frequently explore this aspect of his life in his music. Known for his love ballads and romantic hits, Babyface sees himself primarily as “the love guy” in his musical endeavors. However, despite the lack of direct references in his songs, his family remains a cornerstone of his identity and inspires his artistic expression.
The upcoming tour with Charlie Wilson and other music luminaries presents a unique opportunity for Babyface to showcase his musical journey spanning over four decades. The singer-songwriter expressed excitement about integrating his extensive catalogue of songs penned for various artists into the live performances. He views this as a chance to take the audience on a nostalgic trip down memory lane while surprising them with the breadth of his musical contributions.
Crafting the setlist for his live shows poses a creative challenge for Babyface, who meticulously curates a blend of songs to create a cohesive and engaging performance. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a seamless flow of the music, ensuring that each track fits into the overall narrative of the concert. While there are numerous songs he has written or produced for other artists, Babyface selects those that harmonize with the vibe and energy of the show.
As the tour prepares to kick off in Los Angeles and culminate in Memphis, Babyface eagerly anticipates sharing the stage with fellow music icons and delivering a memorable experience for fans. With his children gradually immersing themselves in his musical legacy and his passion for live performances undiminished, Babyface continues to leave a lasting impact on the music industry while nurturing his most cherished role as a devoted father.
In closing, Babyface’s narrative exemplifies the multifaceted nature of artists, showcasing the complexities of balancing a prolific music career with the joys and challenges of parenthood. As fans eagerly await his upcoming performances and delve into his musical repertoire, Babyface’s story serves as a reminder of the enduring power of music and family in shaping one’s legacy.