Keith Hope

Keith Hope is a 6th generation Floridian who grew up in Hardee County. In 1835, his ancestors were the first to settle in what is now Hernando County. He showed an interest and aptitude for music early, performing folk songs in public by age 5 and later played in folk and rock groups throughout central Florida. He started writing songs and moved to Nashville in the early 1980's where he wrote, performed and learned about the art and craft of songwriting. In 1992, he attended the Florida Folk Festival for the first time and was inspired by what he saw and heard at the Gazebo Stage, and encouraged by Frank and Ann Thomas to start writing songs about Florida. He has performed at the Florida Folk Festival since 1993, the Will McClean Folk Fest and other folk festivals and venues throughout the state. In 2002, he released his first CD of original songs titled "Key Biscayne Cowboy." Later, he released his concert DVD: "Keith Hope, Live At Luna Star Cafe." One of his songs about manatees—"Miss Her Now (or Miss Her Forever)"—was featured in two film documentaries and a music video can be sampled and purchased at www.savethemanatee.org. His song, "How Strong Your Love Can Be," won first place in the pop category of the Songwriters Guild of America's songwriting contest. He is currently working on his second CD titled "Florida Hurricane" which will be released in Spring 2010. Keith lives in Gulfport, is an appellate attorney and is a past Board Member and President of Friends of Florida Folk.