The Kelly Brothers
The Kelly brothers hail from an extensive line of Irish musicians. Denis and Jimmy’s grandfathers both landed in America as teenagers, with concertina and accordion in hand. It did not take long for them to make their mark as renowned contributors to the Irish music scene in New York
The Kelly brother’s grandfather, Denny Leonard, began an Irish step-dancing school in Albany, New York, later taken over by Denny’s daughter Anna Mary (Denis and Jimmy’s mother). Denny Leonard was instrumental in building Albany’s “Ancient Order of Hibernian” hall, which still reigns as the primary meeting spot for the areas substantial Irish population.
Denis and Jimmy’s grandfather on their father’s side, Ralph Kelly, became a founding member of the "Night of Shamrocks," organization, which later led to “AIMS” (American Irish Musicians Society). Ralph built one of the first Irish resorts in the Catskill Mountains, in East Durham, New York, otherwise known as the ‘Irish Catskills’. “Kelly’s Brookside” became home to several of the countries most legendary Irish musicians.
Both Denny Leonard and Ralph Kelly have since been recognized for their vast contributions and achievements in Irish music, when they were inducted to the prestigious Traditional Irish Music Hall of Fame.
Denis and Jimmy’s father, Jim Sr., carried the torch of the families’ Irish musical heritage, when his father handed over the banner of his band, The Galway Blazers. Jim Sr. proudly continued the “Blazers,” enlisting the talent of his brother-in-law, Mike Leonard, on banjo. It was not long before The Galway Blazers had become one of the most sought after Irish bands of their time. Jim Sr.’s “ceili” style drumming made him a legend on the traditional Irish scene. When the world famous “Tulla Ceili Band” came to America on their “50th Anniversary Tour,” they personally requested “Jimmy Kelly from Albany” to join them on the drums. Upon completion of the tour, he and Mike Leonard joined both their fathers, Ralph and Denny, by themselves being inducted to the Traditional Irish Music Hall of Fame.
With surroundings like these, it was inevitable that Denis and Jimmy crawled their way onto the stage. The brothers were introduced to Irish step dancing from their mother, and always reveled in watching their father’s band perform. They spent their childhood surrounded by world-class musicians, who were always playing at their kitchen table. The Kelly brothers made their way to the drums before graduating grammar school. They were “drum majors” in the high school marching band, where Jimmy was the recipient of the “John Phillip Sousa” award for his musical abilities. Denis’ talent in Irish dancing was evident, as he qualified for the All-Ireland Championship title. Soon after high school, the brothers began playing with numerous Irish bands throughout New York State.
After several years of playing with different bands, they decided the time had come to pool their “Kelly talent,” and perform together. Jimmy took the guitar and lead vocals, and Denis took the Drums and harmony. Their combination of musicianship and family harmonies is one that only two brothers can share, while their passion for music is one that only a nurturing musical upbringing could produce. They have shared the stage with musical acts that varied from the Statler Brothers to Eddie Money and Black 47 to Amy Grant. Jimmy performed in Radio City Music Hall on drums in “Riverdance-the show” for two years. They have both followed in their father’s footsteps, qualifying to represent the United States in world competitions. Denis, for Irish step dancing and Jimmy recently represented the U.S. and took third place in Ceili drumming in Ireland’s traditional irish music competition “Fleadh Cheol”.
Jimmy currently lives in Albany, New York, where he spends his time writing songs, and recording and producing albums. Denis resides in Yonkers, New York and is employed as a State Paramedic.
The Kelly brothers get together often, performing concerts and festivals throughout the country. They surround themselves with exceptionally talented musicians, while combining original songs with familiar Irish Music with their own twist, resulting in a high energy, “gotta dance” experience you just can’t miss.
They play because they love it and their affection for the music and performing is contagious.
The Kelly brothers currently have three CD’s available. “Solo Pilots,” which is 10 of Jimmy’s original writings and recordings, “Irish Music in America, Vol. II,” where they joined forces with their good friend and legendary piper, Neil Anderson, and their most recent endeavor “Kelly Green”.
Watch for The Jimmy Kelly Band, and remember, “You gotta see this band!”