Ken Medema

Ken Medema, a California-based composer, singer, and songwriter, has been blind since birth, a characteristic that deeply influences both his personal and professional life. Medema's early encounters with music began at the age of five when he started playing the piano, and by eight, he was already composing improvised music. His talent was nurtured by a teacher who introduced him to classical music through Braille and encouraged him to improvise, making music his second language.

Medema holds a master's degree in music therapy from Michigan State University. He initially worked as a music therapist at Essex County Hospital in New Jersey, where he began composing songs inspired by his patients' stories. This experience led him to transition into a performing and recording career in 1973, producing albums for Word and Shawnee Press. His unique approach often includes creating songs spontaneously about stories shared by audience members, a technique that connects deeply on issues such as adversity and inclusion.

In 1985, Medema founded Brier Patch Music, named after Br'er Rabbit's home in the Uncle Remus stories, symbolizing a place of comfort amidst discomfort. Brier Patch Music, headquartered in Grandville, Michigan, focuses on music that addresses universal concerns including spirituality, peace, justice, hunger, homelessness, and the environment. Today, Medema performs across a variety of venues, from local congregations and charity fundraisers to corporate conventions, major youth gatherings, and televised religious programs, emphasizing spirituality and social issues.

Medema's personal life includes his wife Jane, whom he married in 1965, and their family residing in the San Francisco Bay area. They have a son, Aaron, his wife Sonya, their daughter Rachel, and a grandchild, Charlotte. Medema's life and work are a testament to his dedication to using music to explore and address the full spectrum of human experience and social challenges.