Description: Passionate, Electrifying, Ambient Blues!!!
Comparisons: Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt, John Mayer, Joe Bonamassa, Govt. Mule
Influences: Jimi Hendrix, John Mayer, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, Roy Buchanan, Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt
Musical Genre: Blues/Rock/Folk/Ambient Blues/Jam/Indie
Homebase: Cincinnati, Ohio / USA
Kelly Richey - Bio
Passionate and electrifying, Kelly Richey is a master guitarist. She has been compared to such greats as Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Mayer, Janis Joplin and Bonnie Raitt. A professional touring musician for over 30 years, Kelly enjoys playing traditional blues, blues-based rock, indie folk and ambient blues. Infusing the music with her own inimitable style, Kelly is unique and stands among the best guitarists known today. A powerful singer and songwriter as well, Kelly will astonish you with her scorching leads, powerful vocals, and solid, well-honed musical sensibility.
Kelly Richey has been described as “Stevie Ray Vaughan trapped in a woman’s body with Janis Joplin screaming to get out.” That’s an apt appraisal of the Lexington, Kentucky native who’s been based in Cincinnati for many years. Richey has often been compared to such greats as Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan because of her ability to capture and entertain an audience with ripping guitar leads that both sing and astonish.
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Career Highlights
A working musician since her teens, she began her professional career as a member of the Arista Records group Stealin’ Horses; in 1990 she formed The Kelly Richey Band, with whom she has become both a national and international touring artist.
One of Kelly’s most cherished moments as a guitarist came in 1988 when she found herself on stage with the legendary Albert King at his sold-out show in Nashville. Invited to join him for one song, King told Richey, “That guitar is like a gun: if you pick it up, you better mean to use it.” And use it she did, playing the remainder of the set with the late blues legend.
In 1993 she was playing a benefit in Louisville where another of her idols, Lonnie Mack, saw her perform. Impressed with her strong performance, he invited Richey to join him on stage, and together they brought the house down with their dueling guitar leads.
Recording Artist
Since establishing her own label, Sweet Lucy Records, Richey has released 11 albums and a live DVD, as both a solo artist and as The Kelly Richey Band. As an extension of Sweet Lucy Records, she built a studio where she records her own music and works with other artists. In her adopted hometown of Cincinnati, Richey and her band have won multiple local awards, including Best Blues/R&B Band, Best Rock Band, Best Musician and Best Band.
Giving Back Through Music
Richey’s involvement with music goes way beyond recording and performing. In 2003, as a longtime private guitar instructor Richey began developing a Guitar Workshop and a Blues History program to take into school classrooms. In 2004, she became an “Artist on Tour” with the Cincinnati Arts Association, and in 2005, was added to the Kentucky Center’s artist roster. That same year, Richey began delivering an adult education program that included a six-week Guitar Instruction class.
The following year, Richey created Music for Change, a 501(c)(3) non-profit committed to music education in today’s public schools; a variety of programs offering live performances, lectures, and interactive participation serve to facilitate learning opportunities for students while keeping the history of American music alive and prospering. Through standards-based instruction and academic enrichment, Music for Change programs support and strengthen existing school curricula. Recognizing that music is a universal language and the gift of music can be used to build learning skills and to strengthen each student’s imagination, Richey is dedicated to enhancing the musical experiences of students and audiences alike.
Kelly Richey plays Solo and with the The Kelly Richey Band
The Kelly Richey Band Members
Kelly Richey – Guitar, Vocals
Jimmy V – Bass
Dave Kemp – Drums
Book Kelly Solo or The Kelly Richey Band Email: kelly@kellyrichey.com
