Pastor John P. Kee was born the 15th of 16 children to John Henry and Lizzie Shannon Kee, and he affectionately describes his childhood home as “outside the county line” in Durham, NC. Mrs. Ethel G. Shannon, John’s maternal grandmother, also played a pivotal role in his upbringing and remains a consistent source of spiritual guidance today. Music in the home and attending church highlighted the family's weekly activities. John exhibited extraordinary talent at an early age; vocally, harmonically, and instrumentally.