John Kelly is a singer-songwriter and studio engineer and producer from Teaneck, New Jersey (by way of Nashville) living in St. Petersburg, Florida. John started out playing on Bleaker Street in NYC when he was 18 years old. Influenced at a young age by guitarists such as Mark Knopfler, Dickie Betts, Toy Caldwell, Eric Clapton and songwriters such as Jim Croce, Neil Diamond, John Denver and Harry Chapin, John has inherited a wide range of musical styles - from what he calls Chicken Pickin' on audience favorites like “Lucky Day” and “Country Livin'” to life moment pieces like “Easy Chair”, “Welcome Home, John” and “Nothing Without You”.
Luckily John doesn't have to stray far from his love of music in his every daywork. John owns and operates HIDEAWAY RECORDING STUDIO in Saint Petersburg, Florida, where he continues to craft the song and master the sound for countless local and touring artists. Credited with giving original music a stage in this art-loving city with his 13-year-run owning and operating the Hideaway Cafe at 1756 Central, John continues to be an ambassador for musicians to be seen as the artists and entrepreneurs that they are and is frequently the driving force pushing them onto larger and larger stages, as they build their story and their following.
John's music has a truly unique sound which has been dubbed "an alt-country crossover, rootsy sound full of strong melodies and honest lyrics". With the help of his band, John has been able to reach a wide audience, young and old, that appreciates him for his ability to create songs that inspire and move. You never know who will be joining John Kelly & friends on stage. Known for his collaborative style, he is the consummate host, sharing his stage, wherever that may be.
John's latest release, Good Company, is dedicated to his sons, Jackson (Drums) and Brennan (Bass), who recorded 6 of the songs on the album. “This has been my life’s greatest gift” John says. Good Company also features several artists from the Tampa Bay Area and a few of John’s old buddies from his days in Nashville. Released April 2024, (coincidentally lining up with Mark Knopfler's latest release - One Deep River. - be sure to check it out!)