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Robby Klein.
2 of 2
Robby Klein.
Each year we celebrate the incredible people that make Nashville a beautiful place to live. This year, we toast a lineup that includes creatives, business people, culinarians, and everything in between. With a passion for philanthropy and a beautiful outlook on life, these are the men and women who make Music City shine.
Name: Kevin Griffin
Age: 54
Hometown: New Orleans, LA
Occupation: Songwriter/Producer/Author/Pilgrimage Festival Founder and Producer
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
I’m ambidextrous…I’m left handed but play guitar right handed.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
During the pandemic, through livestream performances, I raised more than $220,000 towards Covid relief efforts.
How would friends describe you in three words?
Generous, funny, and loyal.
Tell us about a skill or activity that you’ve always wanted to try or one you’ve learned and mastered?
Writing a book. Just completed one on creativity and songwriting titled, The Greatest Song, coming out in 2022.
Name the person who has been the greatest influence in your life.
My father, Jerry Griffin. So much of my outlook on life…how to conduct myself in relationships, business, and with family was instilled in me by my Dad. He wasn’t perfect but he was perfectly human and not a day goes by that I don’t hear his words in my head.
Name an organization or non-profit that you affiliate with outside of work and why it’s important to you.
MusiCares and BTE Foundation. Musicares for the health and wellness work they do in the music industry. It’s boots on the ground kind of work that helps so many in the music industry. I always have a MusiCares component to everything I do. Better Than Ezra started the BTE Foundation nineteen years ago in New Orleans and we’ve done after school programs for elementary schools, built playgrounds, and helped many on the gulf coast.
Tell us about someone you consider a hero and why?
Eric Clapton who used his platform and influence to bring awareness and assistance to those suffering from addiction. And then there’s his music…
What are a few of your favorite places in Nashville?
I’m a foodie so restaurants are my fave places. I love The Optimist, Adele’s, Superica and of course, Gumbo Bros seeing as I’m a NOLA guy.
Tell us about your routine/tips for looking and feeling great inside and/or out (salon, spa, fitness, wellness, well-being, etc.).
I start the day by downing a tall glass of spring water and then I make a protein smoothie for breakfast. Next, I either run or take a ride on the Peloton and then workout in my home gym. I’m religious about using a daily moisturizer with sunscreen (jack Black). Exercise just keeps me on an even keel and gives me a sense of calm on a physical level and meditation a few times a week is good for the soul.
Describe your perfect day.
It’s a cool fall Sunday morning and Van Morrison radio is on the Sonos. I’ve got an almond milk latte and I’m outside on the porch with my dog Zeus. Little by little I hear the distinct sounds of my lovely family waking up and coming downstairs. It’s going to be a perfect day.
Do you have a favorite quote you live by that you would like to share (and why)?
“Because, when you know that language, it's easy to understand that someone in the world awaits you, whether it's in the middle of the desert or in some great city. And when two such people encounter each other, and their eyes meet, the past and the future become unimportant. There is only that moment, and the incredible certainty that everything under the sun has been written by one hand only. It is the hand that evokes love, and creates a twin soul for every person in the world. Without such love, ones dreams would have no meaning.” Paulo Coelho-The Alchemist. I’m an eternal optimist and a hopeless romantic and The Alchemist is full of some of my favorite quotes. I like to think we all have that great love out there that makes you be the best version of yourself. I’ve been lucky enough to find it.
What is your definition of beauty—as it pertains to yourself and/or others?
Ah, it’s the undefinable thing that someone radiates. It’s not just physical beauty…there’s a lot of that out there. It’s that kindness of soul, a sense of empathy, and a great sense of humor that makes someone truly beautiful.