The band Better than Ezra started in the ’90s, but a lot has happened since then for singer-song writer Kevin Griffin. His musical career is more than his post-collegiate band that skyrocketed to the top of the charts. Better than Ezra’s first album Deluxe, with its chart-topping hit “Good,” launched his career, followed by hits such as “Desperately Wanting” and “A Lifetime.” Since then, Griffin has some unexpected twists and major successes. Playing at the Key West Theater Friday Feb. 2, Griffin, who still plays with Better than Ezra, plays Ezra hits on his own, some solo hits, which will be surprisingly familiar, and a few popular covers.
“I’m a little tired; I just got off the plane from the Grammys,” said Griffin. He is heavily involved in the music business as a producer, singer and songwriter. More than 30 million copies of songs have hit the airwaves with Griffin’s name on them in some way. His first collaboration after Better than Ezra was with Meatloaf, Blondie, Taylor Swift and then some mega-hits came, like collaborating with Howie Day on “Collide,” James Blunt’s “I’ll Be Your Man,” and Sugarland’s “Stuck like Glue.” “Collide” became a favorite song for multiple television shows and “Stuck Like Glue” became the 11th most downloaded country song of all time by April 2011.
“With solo shows I get to go on tangents; it’s more conversational and reverent,” said Griffin. “As a musician, if you’re not U2, maybe people don’t realize the career you’ve had.” Even Better Than Ezra had another huge Spotify hit, “Crazy Lucky,” in 2014.
Griffin describes himself as a melody and lyric guy, but he attributes his success to inspiration from all music and he listens to everything. Some of his favorite bands right now are The Struts, Moon Taxi, War on Drugs, Ryan Adams and Cage the Elephant. “It keeps me going to listen and work with other artists,” he said. “All the different genres help form new music.”
And Griffin is no stranger to the Keys, as he has been part of the BMI singer-songwriter festival before and honeymooned on Little Palm, which he wishes a full recovery. A New Orleans native, Griffin has always appreciated the sister city laid-back, musical vibe of Key West.
“Playing music is about being optimistic, reinventing yourself and being inspired. Sh*t’s gonna happen so you gotta keep moving.”
Go to www.thekeywesttheater.com for ticket information.
Kevin Griffin of Better than Ezra
Key West Theater
Fri, February 2, 2018
Doors: 7 p.m./Show: 8 p.m.
