Kenneth Guy Gist Jr. (June 21, 1944 – March 27, 2018),[2] known as Kenny O'Dell, was an American country music singer and songwriter, best known for writing the number-one country hits "Behind Closed Doors" (recorded by Charlie Rich, 1973) and "Mama He's Crazy" (The Judds, 1984).

Early in his career, he worked with guitarist Duane Eddy, and his own band, Guys and Dolls.

[3] He also wrote pop and soft rock songs, including "Next Plane to London", which was a Top 20 hit in 1967 for The Rose Garden.

[3] It was followed by "Behind Closed Doors",[3] which won a Grammy Award in 1973 for Best Country & Western Recording.

O'Dell wrote or co-wrote the number-one country hits "Trouble in Paradise" (Loretta Lynn, 1974) and "Lizzie and the Rainman" (Tanya Tucker, 1975).