Russ Kelley

Brief Biography

Following a long hiatus from performing due to surgery on his vocal chords, this storied artist is back at it, captivating audiences with his husky, passionate voice and impressive song writing. His craft has taken him from contracts with major publishers and penning a chart-topping hit tune, to playing with touring groups, then working as a solo artist. He has also had a long career in the public funding of the arts, and music in particular, with the Canada Council for the Arts and other arts organizations. His song writing, singing and guitar work are on full display on his new CD, Crazy Shades of Blue.

ARTIST WEBSITE: www.reverbnation.com/russellkelley

Throughout Russ Kelley's life, music has never stopped being central both professionally and as a true passion. His song writing has frequently led the path his career has taken, beginning with early contracts with major publishers and leading to his penning a chart topping hit tune for Quebec chanteuse Renee Martel. He had a long career as a professional with a number of touring groups and then as a solo artist working out of Montreal and then Halifax. He only stopped following a major operation on his vocal chords.

Believing that he would never sing again, he began another long career working in public funding of the arts and music in particular with the Canada Council for the Arts, the first edition of the Nova Scotia Arts Council, the Culture Division of the Province of Nova Scotia and finally ending up back at the Canada Council as Head of the Music Section. During this last period he began playing guitar at home everyday to help deal with the stress of the job and to his surprise he found he was able to sing again.

Today his song writing, singing and guitar work are prominent on his new CD "Crazy Shades of Blue" recorded in Winnipeg with some of that city's finest musicians and sweetened with other prominent musicians such as Juno award winning saxophonist Jane Bunnett. Russ has played across the US and Canada, appeared on the CBC radio and television, in particular, and Canadian radio at various times. After the long hiatus, Russ is back captivating audiences with his husky, passionate voice and strong songwriting.