Ken Pomeroy (singer)

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Ken Pomeroy
ᎤᏍᏗ ᏀᏯ ᏓᎶᏂᎨ ᎤᏍᏗᎦ
Born2002or2003(age 22–23)
Origin Moore, Oklahoma
Genres Folk
Alternative country
Americana
Occupation
  • Singer-Songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals
acoustic guitar
Years active2015–present
LabelsRounder Records
Website kenpomeroymusic.com

McKennan 'Ken' Pomeroy is a Native American folk singer-songwriter of Cherokee descent from Oklahoma.

Contents

Early life

Pomeroy was raised in Moore, Oklahoma. She is a member of the Cherokee Nation. [1]

Pomeroy took an interest in music at six years old after hearing the song "Leaving on a Jet Plane" by John Denver. She began writing songs at age eleven. [2]

Career

Pomeroy began playing music gigs at 13 years old. When she was 16 years old she opened for Wanda Jackson at the Oklahoma Rodeo Centennial Opry. [3] After a string of EPs, she released her first official solo album, Christmas Lights in April, on December 10, 2021. [4]

On September 20, 2023, two of Pomeroy's unreleased songs, "Pareidolia" and "Cicadas", were featured on the FX on Hulu show Reservation Dogs in the season three episode "Elora's Dad". [5] The songs were selected by series co-creator Sterlin Harjo after he sought out local musicians to feature and was sent demos by Pomeroy. [6]

Demand for her unreleased songs mounted after the release of the Reservation Dogs episode. Of "Cicadas", which was used over the end credits of the episode, Pomeroy had stated “All these people were trying to Shazam the song and were asking for it on Reddit, but it hadn’t been released yet — which was probably a poor move on our part." The songs were quickly released as singles within the week. [7]

Pomeroy headlined the 27th Annual Woody Guthrie Folk Festival in Okemah, Oklahoma on July 12, 2024. Later that month, she signed to American roots music label Rounder Records. [8]

On July 19, 2024, a cover of the Richard and Linda Thompson song "Wall of Death" by Wilderado, James McAlister, and Pomeroy was released on the soundtrack for the 2024 film Twisters . [9] [10] In the film, she makes a brief cameo appearance singing the song.

Her second official solo album, Cruel Joke was released on May 16, 2025. [11] The album was met with positive reviews with reviewers noting a unique blend of American folk, Cherokee heritage, and Oklahoma Red Dirt. [12] [13] Tulsa-based folk-rock musician John Moreland, who she opened for on tour in early 2024, is featured on the track "Coyotes". [14]

In 2025, she appeared in her first acting role as a recurring character in Sterlin Harjo's television series The Lowdown on FX. [15]

Personal life

Pomeroy lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Discography

Studio albums

References

  1. Parton, Chris (May 21, 2025). "Sad Songs & Storytelling". The Bluegrass Situation. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
  2. Horowitz, Steve (November 6, 2024). "Ken Pomeroy: Prolific Young Artist Is Steeped in Storytelling". The Iowa Source. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
  3. Jarman, David (May 8, 2019). "Music Artist for May 2019: Ken Pomeroy". Oklahoma Film and Music Office. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
  4. Jarman, David (December 20, 2021). "Ken Pomeroy "Christmas Lights in April"". Americana UK. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
  5. "Ken Pomeroy Instagram post". Instagram . September 20, 2023. Retrieved October 23, 2025. 2 of my songs, Pareidolia and Cicadas made it into episode 9, season 3 Reservation Dogs!! Watch it tonight streaming on @hulu !! Pareidolia releases the 27th on all music platforms! Thank you @sterlinharjo for reaching out and using my tunes!!
  6. McDonnell, Brandy (July 6, 2024). "Oklahoma Singer-Songwriter Is Featured in 'Twisters,' 'Reservation Dogs' — and This Year, WoodyFest" . The Oklahoman . Archived from the original on October 1, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
  7. "Cherokee Folk Singer Ken Pomeroy is Reviving Native Americana Sound". TeenVogue. November 1, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
  8. "Rising singer-songwriter Ken Pomeroy signs to Rounder Records". Grateful Web. July 27, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
  9. Pilley, Max (July 17, 2024). "Here's every song on the 'Twisters' soundtrack". NME . Retrieved October 23, 2025.
  10. "Wilderado covers "Wall of Death" for 'Twisters' soundtrack". ABC News . July 19, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
  11. "Cherokee Artist Ken Pomeroy Drops New Album 'Cruel Joke', Books Major Festival Appearances". Backstage Country. May 29, 2025. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
  12. Crutchmer, Josh (May 12, 2025). "Ken Pomeroy Mixes Her Native American Heritage With Red Dirt on New Album 'Cruel Joke'". Rolling Stone . Retrieved October 23, 2025.
  13. "Review: Ken Pomeroy "Cruel Joke"". Americana Highways. May 14, 2025. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
  14. "Rising Oklahoma Based Artist Ken Pomeroy's New Track "Coyote" Featuring John Moreland Out Today With Video". Sacks and Co. February 7, 2025. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
  15. "Easter egg hunting: Episodes 1 and 2 of 'The Lowdown'". TulsaPeople. September 24, 2025. Retrieved October 23, 2025.