Ken Hirai

Ken Hirai (平井堅, ひらいけん, Hirai Ken, January 17, 1972), a Japanese R&B singer, was born in Osaka prefecture, and grew up in Nabari, Mie Prefecture. Some musical artists whom he respects are Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye etc. Hirai once participated in a music session with Babyface, who admired Hirai's singing ability. He said, "I think that Hirai can be popular in the world if he releases CDs in English words".

Related Topics:
January 17 - 1972 - Japanese - R&B - Osaka prefecture - Nabari - Mie Prefecture - Artist - Donny Hathaway - Stevie Wonder - Marvin Gaye - Session - Babyface - CD

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His 20th single "Hitomi wo Tojite," a theme song of the Japanese movie "Crying Out Love, In the Center of the World", peaked at No. 2 in Japan's Oricon chart in 2004, but got No. 1 in annual sales for the year 2004. Incidentally, he also sang a cover version of The Eagles hit "Desperado" as the single's B-side.

Related Topics:
Crying Out Love, In the Center of the World - Chart - 2004 - No. 1 - Cover version - The Eagles

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