John Kelly is a Charlottesville-based singer songwriter with more than two decades of solo acoustic performing experience. He began his music career in his native Connecticut and played regularly there and in New York City before moving to Charlottesville, Virginia. Now a regular on the Central Virginia singer songwriter circuit, John has become known for his soulful voice and insightful original songs. His most recent album, In Between, was produced by Rusty Speidel and features a set of ten songs that cover a range of topics, from the complexities of the world we live in today to family and romantic love and more.

In early 2026, John released a single, “Dear Angelina,” featuring the noted Nashville alternative band Edgehill.

His song “Three Bright Stars,” written to commemorate a vigil for the three University of Virginia football players tragically killed in Charlottesville in 2024, was recorded with members of the University of Virginia Chamber Singers under the direction of Michael Slon and recorded and produced by James McLaughlin.

Kelly’s previous record, Brighter Days, was produced by acclaimed producer, performer, writer, and arranger Rob Mathes.