Keven “Dino” Conner (1974-2003)

    Born November 18, 1974, Dino Conner grew up in Houston's notorious Yellowstone neighborhood on the south side of the city. While attending Jack Yates High School in 1991, Keven and his twin brother Solomon, formed a band with mutual friend Darryl Jackson. Calling themselves The Gents, the trio recorded their first album It's No Dream with producer Phil Blackmon. Shazam (Solomon) was chosen as lead singer at the time of recording this album, which featured the ballad A Time for Us; unfortunately, the album was not successful. They performed at local talent shows and plays until a local producer sent a demo tape to record label executive Luther "Luke" Campbell, formerly of the rap group 2 Live Crew. After an impromptu audition, Campbell signed the group to his label, Luke Records. Bishop "Stick" Burrell became their producer and made Dino the lead singer, seeing his potential and rare voice as the formula for success, and built their sound around him. They changed the name of their group to H-Town, a local nickname for the city of Houston, in which they grew up.

    H-Town's debut album Fever for Da Flavor was released on April 15, 1993. The group achieved hit status with their very first single Knockin' Da Boots, which became H-Town's biggest hit and signature song. Knockin' Da Boots was a #1 hit on the R&B charts, and peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, Lick U Up, the band's follow-up single, peaked at only #21. They signed on as a part of the 1993 Coca-Cola Summer fest tour, which also included Shai, SWV, Jade, Naughty by Nature, LL Cool J and Silk. In 1994, H-Town won the Soul Train Music Award for Best New Artist. They were featured on the Above the Rim soundtrack with their single Part Time Lover, which peaked at #9 on the R&B charts. In late 1993, H-Town returned to the studio to record their second album Beggin' After Dark, later released on November 8, 1994. The most popular single from this album was Emotions, which hit #11 on the Billboard R&B charts and #51 on the Hot 100. After recording a cover version of The Persuaders song A Thin Line Between Love and Hate for the 1996 film of the same name - the song became H-Town's first Top 40 pop hit in three years - the group underwent some changes. They cut ties with Luther Campbell, underwent a spiritual awakening of sorts, and became more aware of women's issues on their third album Ladies Edition. Released on October 28, 1997, the general theme of Ladies Edition centers on a man's penitence for his past transgressions with his woman, a theme conveyed in songs such as Don't Sleep on the Female, Julie Rain, and Jezebel. According to the liner notes, the album was dedicated to Nicole Brown Simpson and "all the women of the world." Twenty national women's telephone helplines were listed on the back cover. Their one and only single from the album, They Like It Slow, peaked at #35 on the Hot 100.

    On January 28, 2003, Keven and his pregnant girlfriend, Teshya Rae Weisent, had just left the recording studio when their vehicle was hit by an SUV that ran a red light. Teshya Rae was killed upon impact; Keven died on the way to the hospital. The three people in the SUV fled. One of them was later apprehended and charged with a felony for failing to stop and render assistance. Two weeks before his death, Keven recorded a song titled, The Day I Die. H-Town's fourth album Imitations of Life which was later released on October 12, 2004. On December 1, 2016, 4 tracks from what was to be Dino's solo album You're My Morning Star were released on iTunes under Mindtaker Entertainment. His girlfriend Teshya is featured on some of tracks. Source

Section 500
Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery
Houston

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