Kevin Skinner

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Lore & Background

Skinner is from the Dublin community of Graves County, Kentucky, and started playing the guitar when he was 12 years old. He has been playing, writing, and singing ever since he learned the art of music from his musician father, Joe, who is a fan of Hank Williams. Skinner is divorced and has two children, a daughter and a son. He has worked as a chicken catcher for several years and claims to have caught with his friends up to 60,000 chickens in one night.

In Their Own Story

Selected for the 1949 All Black tour of South Africa, Skinner established himself as a vital component of the forward pack. His leadership came to the fore during the 1952 series against Australia, where he served as captain. Although Bob Stuart captained the subsequent 1953/4 tour of Great Britain and France, Skinner remained a central figure, playing in all five tests and contributing to a total of 27 games on that tour. By the end of the 1954 season, he had equaled Maurice Brownlie's record of 61 All Black appearances before retiring. However, he returned for the final two tests against South Africa in 1956, pushing his cap count to 63 and setting a new benchmark. Both of those concluding matches were won by New Zealand.

Reader's Guide

Skinner won the fourth season of America's Got Talent in 2009. His debut CD, 'Long Ride', was released on March 17, 2010, and online on September 14, 2010. He performed on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and Live with Kelly and Ryan.

Did You Know?

• Skinner caught up to 60,000 chickens in one night with friends.
• His father Joe is a fan of Hank Williams.
• Piers Morgan called Skinner his favorite act during AGT's 10 Year Anniversary Special.