Kelly joined 'The Point' in 1987 after achieving local success in his hometown of Asheville,NC playing drums and singing for a band called 'The Strip'. After recording some demo material with John Custer,'The Point' relocated to L.A in 1991 and Kelly remained behind, choosing to join Cry of Love (who had been rehearsing with another vocalist 'Pee Wee Watson', formerly of the band 'Nantucket'). Kelly was always the bands first choice for singer but Audley, Robert and Jason did not wish to poach the singer from their friends in The Point. Kelly co-wrote many of the songs on the album 'Brother' with Audley Freed and John Custer.

In 1994, at the peak of Cry of Love's success, Kelly left the band. Kelly was replaced by singer Robert Mason (Lynch Mob, Magnum, Ratt, Silent Witness) for the groups follow-up album in 1997, "Diamonds and Debris".

Kelly did re-unite with his former band members, for a few songs, in 1999 for one of Warren Haynes' legendary 'Xmas Jam' shows. (Interesting sidenote: Kelly and Warren Haynes know each other from schooldays)

Kelly was also involved in a side project called 'The Loaded Goats', although little is know about this group other than the fact that the name was a reference to.......<webmaster to complete>

In 2006, Kelly was know to be working with John Custer on some new music but unfortunately this remains uncompleted.

As of March 2007, Kelly continues to drum and sings in Raleigh bands 'Crush'(originally called 'Loaded Dice')and 'Vistalite'. Crush are reputed to be a sell-out club act in the Raleigh area.

Kelly is also reported to be a keen mountain-biker.