Kelly Jones
Kelly Jones | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Born | |
Occupations |
|
Years active | 1992–present |
Spouse | Jakki Healy (2013–present) |
Partner | Rebecca Walters (2003–2007) |
Children | 4 |
Musical career | |
Genres | |
Instrument(s) | |
Labels | Stylus Records |
Member of | Stereophonics |
Website | stereophonics.com |
Kelly Jones (born 3 June 1974) is a Welsh musician and a founding member, lead singer, and guitarist of the rock band Stereophonics.
Early life and debut
Kelly Jones was born the youngest of three boys to Beryl and Arwyn Jones in the small Welsh former mining village of
Both of his parents worked in factories. His father coached youth
During Jones' youth his uncle, a
Jones' talent for writing was apparent in his youth. He studied film at college and considered becoming a scriptwriter – attracting interest from the BBC for his work – before focusing on music.[2] As his band progressed from covers to performing original material, Jones brought his gift for narrative to his lyrics. He also flirted with the idea of career in boxing, and was a successful fighter at junior levels.[3]
There is a strong autobiographical thread to Jones' writing on Stereophonics' 1997 debut album, Word Gets Around, including an account of his teenage years working on a market stall, "More Life in a Tramps Vest".
Career
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/20/2007_09_13_stereophonics.jpg/220px-2007_09_13_stereophonics.jpg)
In 1996, after several years on the south Wales live circuit, Stereophonics were the first band to be signed to
In January 2005, Kelly Jones performed a solo set at the Tsunami Relief Cardiff charity concert at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.[citation needed]
Other projects
In 2007, Jones released his first solo album, Only the Names Have Been Changed, as a limited edition, which managed to reach number 1 on the iTunes download chart.[where?] He explained: "We were recording the sixth Stereophonics album last year and in-between takes I started doing these songs off the cuff. Three or four tracks in, I realised that this could actually be something [...] strange how it's always little things that makes big things happen." This created speculation that Jones would leave Stereophonics to pursue his solo career; however, he denied this.[4]
In 2023 Jones released an album
Influences and musical style
Jones is influenced by musicians such as Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC and the Sex Pistols.[5] He is noted for his raspy voice, which has been described as "whiskey"[6] and has drawn criticism as well as acclaim.[7]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d0/Kelly_Jones_Stereophonics_3.jpg/220px-Kelly_Jones_Stereophonics_3.jpg)
Controversy
Jones has had a troubled relationship with the national tabloid press and they have often criticised him, his contribution to music, and his vocal abilities.[7] Jones has generated headlines several times by criticising fellow Britpop and post-Britpop musical artists, most notably Radiohead frontman and solo artist Thom Yorke. Jones criticised Yorke's attitude in a 2002 interview due to what he felt was complaining about touring on Radiohead's 1998 home video release, Meeting People Is Easy. He said: "We can all relate to that video – y'know, having to do a hundred fucking idents for radio stations – but that doesn't mean you've got to walk around and be a miserable twat to everybody. Which is what Thom Yorke is mostly."[8][9] He later expressed regret for this comment, since he was a fan of Yorke.[10]
Jones is known for his cynical view of
Personal life
In 2002 Jones was arrested for vandalism; the state later declined to press charges. Jones wrote the song "Rainbows and Pots of Gold" in response to the event.[12] Jones and Rebecca Walters have two children;[13] the couple split shortly after the birth of the second child. Jones then married MTV journalist Jakki Healy; they have two children.[14]
Influenced as a child by his older brothers, Kevin and Lee, Jones has been a life-long supporter of
Discography
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/93/Kelly_Jones_Stereophonics_2.jpg/220px-Kelly_Jones_Stereophonics_2.jpg)
Studio albums
Title | Year |
---|---|
Only the Names Have Been Changed | 2007 |
Inevitable Incredible | 2024 |
Live albums
Title | Year | Chart positions | |
---|---|---|---|
UK [17] | |||
Don't Let the Devil Take Another Day | 2020 | 8 |
References
- ^ "Arwyn Davidson Discography – All Countries". 45cat.com.
- ^ Cat, Researcher; Nick Fel (16 August 2001). "Stereophonics – The Band". BBC. Archived from the original on 10 January 2021. Retrieved 16 January 2009.
- ^ "Kelly Jones: I could have been a boxer... or a jailbird!". Walesonline. Retrieved 15 May 2011.
- ^ Foley, Jack (2007). "Kelly Jones announces solo dates". IndieLondon. Retrieved 16 January 2009.
- ^ Cripps, Charlotte (5 December 2008). "One Minute With... Kelly Jones, Stereophonics". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 10 January 2021. Retrieved 24 February 2009.
- ^ "Stereophonics @ The Forum, Melbourne (04/05/08)". FasterLouder. 6 May 2008. Archived from the original on 5 October 2013. Retrieved 24 February 2009.
- ^ a b Neil McCormick (27 October 2007). "Stereophonics: The critics hate us – so what?". Telegraph.co.uk. Archived from the original on 9 November 2009.
- ^ Clark, Stuart (August 2002). "Stereophonics Interview". Hot Press.
- ^ Hodgkinson, Will (14 October 2007). "Soundtrack of my life: Kelly Jones". The Observer. London. Retrieved 6 January 2008.
- TheFreeLibrary. 2 February 2004. Retrieved 10 June 2012.
- BBC Wales. 27 March 2001. Retrieved 6 January 2008.
- ^ "Kelly jones – stereophonics singer's violent rage at ex's new love". Contactmusic.com. 7 July 2003. Archived from the original on 24 August 2007. Retrieved 16 January 2009.
- ^ "Fatherhood for Stereophonic Kelly". BBC. 30 January 2005. Retrieved 9 January 2012.
- ^ "Kelly Jones of Stereophonics: 'I'm just so proud of my trans son, Colby'". independent.
- ^ "My team: Leeds United, by Kelly Jones of Stereophonics". The Guardian.
- ^ "Stereophonics star Kelly Jones on his Leeds United love and how he became a Whites supporter". Leeds Live.
- ^ "Kelly Jones | full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 10 January 2021. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
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