Kevin C. Montfort

Kevin C. Montfort was born on the South Side of Chicago, where he was raised by his grandmother and great-grandmother. Growing up in the Bronzeville community, Kevin’s early musical experiences were shaped at Mt. Eagle Baptist Church. Here, he first heard the traditional gospel sounds of artists like Ernest Franklin and witnessed the choral directing of Stanley Stovall, Shirley Britton-Skipper, and Gwen Bryson. Inspired by these experiences, Kevin would come home after church and attempt to replicate the music he heard during Sunday morning worship services.

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At the age of 11, Kevin began taking private music lessons from his next-door neighbor, Dr. Jukube Felton. His exceptional talent and dedication led him to play for his first church by the age of 12. A year later, he was introduced to his godparents, Pastor David and Lisa Ballard, who helped cultivate his musical gifts through church fellowships, music workshops, and additional private lessons with King Edward Showers.

 

Kevin had the privilege of participating in the ECC workshop under the late Rev. James Chambers, contributing to his first live recording, “Please Don’t Leave Me Now” (Vocal Accompaniment).

 

In his later teenage years, Kevin joined Lilydale First Baptist Church under Rev. Dr. Alvin Love. It was here that he was introduced to church administration and leadership training. This experience led him to work with Rev. Dr. Clay Evans and the AARC organization, where he had the opportunity to direct professionally on the project “I Got a Testimony.”

 

Throughout the years, Kevin has been blessed to be a part of various successful musical organizations, bands, and churches as a musician or choir director. His journey has included serving under Bishop William A. Ellis as Minister of Music, as well as positions at Calvary Baptist Church of Morgan Park, Sunrise M.B. Church, Rebirth Chicago, Centennial Baptist Church, and Indiana Avenue Pentecostal Church of God under the pastorate of Bishop Mark A. Moore, Sr.

 

In 2021, Kevin founded his own community choir, Kevin C. Montfort and The Tribe of Favor’d, alongside his wife, Raytrice J. Montfort, and his son, Kevin C. Montfort, II. They recently recorded their first live project entitled “Ordained.”

 

Kevin C. Montfort’s extensive experience and passion for gospel music have made him a respected figure in the Chicago gospel community, where he continues to inspire and lead with his musical talents.