Biography and Career Highlights
Keven “Dino” Conner, born in Houston’s 3rd Ward, was a pivotal figure in the R&B scene as the lead singer of the group H-Town. He co-founded the group with his twin brother Solomon “Shazam” Conner and their friend Darryl “G.I.” Jackson. Initially known as “The Gents,” H-Town signed with Luke Records in the early 1990s, propelled by Conner’s compelling tenor voice. Their debut album, Fever for da Flavor, released in 1993, featured the breakthrough hit “Knockin’ Da Boots,” which dominated the R&B charts and climbed into the Top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100. The success of this single drove the album to platinum status, selling over one million copies.
H-Town’s achievements were recognized in 1994 when they won the Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul New Artist. The group’s career flourished, selling millions of albums worldwide, with reports citing over 8 million albums sold. Their music also featured on popular soundtracks, including Above the Rim and Addams Family Values. H-Town released additional studio albums, Beggin’ After Dark (1994) and Ladies Edition, Woman’s World (1997), featuring hits like “Emotions,” which reached the R&B Top 20. Despite setbacks, including Conner’s tragic death in 2003, H-Town’s legacy endures through ongoing performances by surviving members Shazam and G.I.
Conner’s vehicle accident death aged 28 on January 28, 2003, shook the music industry. He was in his girlfriend’s car when a red-light-running SUV hit him. Both died in the collision, prompting MTV News and the Houston Chronicle to report it. His daughter survived his candlelight vigil and funeral. In “Strokey Doke,” H-Town pays tribute to Dino by using his vocals.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Early Life | Grew up in Houston’s 3rd Ward; co-founded H-Town with twin brother Solomon and friend Darryl. |
| Breakthrough Hit | “Knockin’ Da Boots” from Fever for da Flavor (1993), topped R&B charts, achieved platinum sales. |
| Accolades | Soul Train Music Award (1994); millions of albums sold globally. |
| Death | Died in a car accident (2003) at age 28. |
| Legacy | H-Town continues to perform; posthumous inclusion in music by surviving members. |
Family Members of Keven Connor
Keven Conner’s family includes notable figures like his daughter Kayja Rose and twin brother Solomon “Shazam” Conner. Kayja Rose, the daughter of Keven Conner, was born in August 1996 and has pursued a career in music as an R&B/pop singer. She released her debut EP Tipsy in 2017 and continues to release singles, carving out a niche in the music industry. Following Conner’s death, she was adopted by Joe Rogan, who married her mother, Jessica Ditzel. Despite this connection, Kayja maintains her music career independently.
Solomon “Shazam” Conner, Keven’s identical twin, was born on November 18, 1974, and has led H-Town since its founding. He still performs with the group and released a solo album in 2023 with songs like “Strokey Doke,” which features his late brother’s vocals. Shazam’s solo and H-Town contributions honour his brother’s music legacy.
| Name | Relationship | Professional Background | Net Worth | Recent News |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kayja Rose (born 1996) | Daughter | Singer-songwriter (R&B/Pop); released debut EP Tipsy in 2017; adopted by Joe Rogan after Conner’s death. | Not publicly reported | Continues to release new music in the 2020s. |
| Solomon “Shazam” Conner | Twin brother | R&B singer; co-founder of H-Town; continues to perform with H-Town; launched solo career in 2023. | Not publicly known | Announced upcoming solo album (2024) featuring Dino’s vocals; continues touring with H-Town. |
FAQ
What was Keven Connor known for?
H-Town’s main singer, Keven Connor, was well known for their smash tune “Knockin’ Da Boots.”
How did Keven Connor die?
On January 28, 2003, a speeding SUV blew a red light and hit Keven Connor’s car in Houston, killing him.
Who is Kayja Rose?
After Keven Connor’s death, Joe Rogan adopted Kayja Rose, an R&B/pop singer-songwriter.
What is Solomon Conner’s H-Town role?
Solomon “Shazam” Conner, Keven’s twin brother and H-Town co-founder, performs with the band and records solo.
After Keven Connor’s death, did H-Town continue?
The surviving H-Town members continued to play, honouring Keven with new songs and voices.
