Bassist, songwriter, producer & arranger Lanar ‘Kern’ Brantley was born and raised in Detroit in a musical family of 10 children. Coming up in Detroit's Gospel music scene, Brantley became a protege of Thomas Whitfield, who helped teach him the business side of music. Besides being a virtuoso bass player, Brantley has served as Musical Director on world tours for Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Destiny's Child, Mary J Blige, Ne-Yo, and Chris Brown. and performing on albums for Aretha Franklin, the Winans, Will Smith and LL Cool J. His nickname, Kern, is short for The Colonel.

BMI IPI #: 51297780 & 223628778 .