Keith Randall Haines was born June 1, 1963, in Akron, Ohio to Ernest G. Haines, Sr. and Gladys Haines.

Keith took an interest in music at a very young age.  As a baby, Keith’s brother, Jerry, would sit him on his lap at the family organ and he would bang on the keys and make noise.  Then his “noise” started turning into something you could actually listen to; they were songs and he was playing them by ear.  Music was his destiny!  He joined his first vocal group, “Keith and the Junior Temps”, as a young boy.  Later, as a young man, he joined local bands, “Flick and Snapp.”

In 1993, Keith traveled to Japan to perform professionally.  He fell in love with the country and the way of life there and decided to stay.  Japan would become his second home. While living in Japan, he lead the “Science Band” and performed regularly with them at Pickford Live Hall.

Keith joined the “Dazz Band” in 1996 and participated in the album, “Here We Go Again” and the live album, “Double Exposure.” He quickly established a following for himself in Tokyo and began working with top Japanese artists, like Double, Boa and most recently, “Exile Atsushi.”   He also worked with award-winning artists, The Drifters, Ashanti, Chaka Kahn and many more.

Always known as a perfectionist, Keith touched many lives with his wonderful personality and talent as a musician.  He was able to sing, compose, produce and play any instrument that he touched.  His main instrument being the keyboard.

Keith was loved and respected for his personality, as well as his talents, both in America and abroad.  He will be missed by family and friends, worldwide.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest G. Haines, Sr.

Keith is survived by his mother, Gladys Haines; wife, Gloria; sons, Chase and Koichi; step-son, Drew; daughter, Kiana; brothers, Ernest, Jr., and Eric; sister, Wynter Haines and special friend, Phyllis Walters.  He also leaves to mourn his passing many family members, friends, and his extended family in Japan, consisting of his band members.

A special “thank you” to Tahirih Walker of Japan and niece, Shawn Taylor, who worked so hard on our family’s behalf, along with special friend, Chinatsu Kaneko.