Kevon Bernard Edmonds (born February 25, 1958) is an American contemporary R&B singer, songwriter, and member of the vocal group After 7. He is also known for his work as a solo artist, background vocalist, and contributor to soundtrack and tribute projects. Edmonds developed his career within the polished, harmony-driven R&B tradition associated with Indianapolis and the late 1980s and 1990s, combining a smooth lead voice with an understated performance style.
Edmonds studied at Indiana University, where he became involved with the Soul Revue, an organization that combined performance, music theory, and practical instruction in the music business. During this period, he formed a singing group with fellow student Keith Mitchell and his brother Melvin Edmonds. The trio eventually became After 7. Although the members initially worked conventional jobs after college, their musical prospects changed when Edmonds' younger brother Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and producer L.A. Reid began developing the group.
After 7 signed with Virgin Records and released its self-titled debut album in 1989. The record introduced the group with the single "Heat of the Moment," but After 7 achieved its major breakthrough with "Ready or Not," a romantic ballad that reached the top of the R&B chart and became a Top Ten pop hit in 1990. Edmonds took a prominent lead role on "Can't Stop," another major success that also topped the R&B chart. The album became a platinum release and established After 7 as one of the leading male vocal groups of the period.
The group's early success was followed by a steady run of albums and singles. Takin' My Time, released in 1992, produced the R&B hit "Kickin' It" and demonstrated the group's ability to move between contemporary production and classic soul influences. Reflections followed in 1995 and included "Til You Do Me Right," a Top Five R&B single, as well as other songs connected with film and television projects. After 7 also appeared in the 1991 film The Five Heartbeats, performing "Nights Like This" on the soundtrack.
During After 7's hiatus, Edmonds joined Milestone, a short-lived vocal ensemble assembled for the 1997 film Soul Food. The group brought together Edmonds, Melvin Edmonds, Babyface, and brothers K-Ci and JoJo. Its principal recording, "I Care 'Bout You," became a prominent soundtrack ballad and showcased the strength of the combined vocal lineup.
Edmonds began his solo career with the album 24/7 in 1999. The title track became his best-known solo recording, reaching the Top Ten of the Billboard Hot 100 and earning gold certification. The album allowed him to move beyond the group format while retaining the warm, adult-oriented R&B sound associated with his After 7 work. "No Love (I'm Not Used To)" served as another notable release from the project.
A decade later, Edmonds returned with Who Knew, a concise 2009 album built around romantic ballads and relaxed midtempo songs. The project included contributions from members of the Edmonds family and emphasized songwriting, vocal control, and mature R&B textures rather than contemporary studio excess. He has also appeared on recordings and performances connected with artists including Babyface, Dionne Warwick, Johnny Gill, and Maze tribute projects. Edmonds' career is defined by consistency: first as a member of After 7, then as a solo singer whose work extended the group's refined vocal sound into a personal repertoire.