b. 28 December 1956, Brighton, Sussex, England. Cited as one of the most gifted violinists in contemporary classical music, before the mid-90s Kennedy was best known within the popular music field for his on-off relationship with Brix Smith of the Fall, a strong lisp and his affection for Aston Villa football club. His reputation was originally built on his interpretation of Vivaldi's Four Seasons, which sold more than a million copies in 1989. Some critics suggested this was enough to make him "the first classical music pop star". However, he retired from classical performance in 1992 owing to a combination of artistic stagnation and a painful neck condition which required surgery. He finally returned to action in 1996 after moving from EMI Records' classical division to the main label. Kafka witnessed his debut as a contemporary composer, with its genesis partially indebted to Kennedy's obsession with Jimi Hendrix. Though projected cover versions of Hendrix's songs had to be abandoned owing to disputes with the Hendrix estate, Kafka also featured collaborations with Robert Plant and Kate Bush. The album was recorded over two years with Peter Gabriel producer David Bottrill, with musicians including Jane Siberry, Duffy, Stéphane Grappelli and old flame Brix Smith. Of some amusement to critics was the fact that the album was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales at the same time as Oasis were preparing their second album. While Oasis's patronage of Manchester City Football club was regularly making headlines, Kennedy's Kafka included "I Believe In God", with terrace chants of "Ooh-aah Paul McGrath" sampled from Aston Villa's Holte End. He decided to be known as Kennedy thereafter, and that further alienated him from the purists. He is aware of his maverick status and enjoys bantering with his critics. His interpretation of Jimi Hendrix songs in 1999 rattled a few more classical bigots.