Country music fans will fondly remember The Kendalls, the beloved father-daughter duo whose tight harmonies and heartfelt storytelling made them one of the genre’s most distinctive acts of the 1970s and ’80s.
The pair — Royce Kendall and his daughter Jeannie Kendall — found mainstream success after years of performing together, ultimately winning a Grammy Award in 1978 for their crossover hit “Heaven’s Just a Sin Away.” The song not only topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart but also became one of the most recognizable tunes of the era.
The Kendalls were known for their blend of traditional country and smooth vocal harmonies, with Jeannie’s soaring voice perfectly complemented by her father’s gentle baritone. Together, they produced numerous hits, including “Sweet Desire,” “It Don’t Feel Like Sinnin’ to Me,” and “Thank God for the Radio.”
Tragically, Royce Kendall passed away in 1998 after suffering a stroke while on tour in Marquette, Iowa. His death marked the end of an era for one of country music’s most enduring duos.
Despite the loss, Jeannie Kendall has continued to perform under The Kendalls’ name, keeping her father’s legacy alive with a new singing partner. She still tours and records, often revisiting the songs that made the duo famous — songs that remain staples for classic country fans worldwide.
Their story is one of family, faith, and timeless music — a reminder of when harmony and heart ruled the airwaves.
Fans can rediscover The Kendalls and other “forgotten” country duos who shaped the sound of American country music in the full list [here]