The Kelly's

The Kelly's are from Lawrenceburg TN the birthplace of southern gospel music, and the home the James D. Vaughn Southern Gospel Music Museum.

They began singing as a family in 1959. There have 65 members to come and go over the years. Jon Kelly is the only original member of the group still traveling. He Began as the drummer for the group at the age five and became lead singer fifteen years later.

July -2015

Interview Questions:

GE: What is the history of your ministry?

We have been singing 57 years. The group today has been together for 12 years. The tenor has been here for over 28 years, the Bass singer nearly 17 years and the Baritone 12 years. We travel about 6 states and do 90 to 100 dates a year. We don't travel December, January and February.

GE: Where did you begin? In peoples Homes in 1959.

GE: Why did you choose this path of ministry?

I was born into it. Then when I got saved I believe God gave me this to do and I have been doing it since I was 5 years old and I am 56 years old.

GE: Who are some of your major musical influences? My Dad, Jake Hess

GE: Why do they affect you the way they do?

My Dad because of his belief in this music and Jake because when he sang you understood every word.

GE: Who has been your biggest spiritual influence? My Mom

GE: How many dates to you do per year? 90 to 100

GE: What kind of venues do you sing at? Churches, Auditoriums, outside Venues and Theatres

GE: Are you involved in other areas of ministry besides music? No

GE: Where do you see your ministry in the next 5 years? Still traveling and telling the people that Jesus Loves them.

GE: Talk a little bit about your current project and/or single?

We are in the planning stages of a new project. One of the latest thing we done was a Live Video with a Choir of 40 to 50 people on it with us. The song that has been our most requested song is "Rock of Ages" that the choir helps us on.

GE: Who are the members in your group?

Jon Kelly- Lead
Paul Walters- Tenor
Eric Harvey- Bass
Keith Wortham-Baritone

GE: Tell us a little about your family, husband/wife and children.

I have a wonderful Family. My wife is beautiful and we have 2 daughters Jenna and Jantzen. Jenna is married to Bryan Sanders and have gave us the best grandson (Tru) and another one on the way next month. Jantzen is not married and works in Columbia TN.

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The Kelly's