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Welcome, Friends!
a bit about me...
Hi there! My name is Janis Kelly and I’m a singer-songwriter, recording artist, educator and “musical instigator” on a mission to lift you up in body, mind and spirit with my Higher Vibe music: A hip-shaking blend of jazz, r&b, soul and pop tunes with an inspiring, uplifting and empowering message--one that's so needed on the planet at this time!
Here’s what I believe: I believe that music is medicine for our ailing world. I believe that music has the power to soothe the savage soul and, in doing so, help bring about peace-on-earth. I believe that music builds bridges of peace, understanding and harmony between those who might otherwise be enemies. I believe in the magical, mystical, miraculous properties of music–for the makers and the partakers alike–and in its ability to “speak” where words fail. And I believe that music can guide us to the truth of who we are: Divine, radiant beings, capable of healing ourselves and the planet. These are the messages I weave into my songs and strive to exemplify in my own life and work!
Here’s where I started: I've been studying music since the age of four--still at it today--and received classical training in piano, trumpet and voice throughout my entire childhood (kudos to my single-parent mother for making this a reality for all five of her children). I majored in Music Education in college, fully intending to follow in my mom's footsteps as a choral director and musical alchemist, but the universe intervened in the form of an invitation to front a Twin Cities jazz and r&b touring band! The next chapter, including becoming a young wife, mother and member of the Prince "Universe," was a wild-and-crazy ride, one that still reverberates and informs my life, career and musical sensibilities today!
Here’s where I’ve been: While also wearing a number of different hats, from aerobics instructor to fitness personality to school teacher to music director, I have spent the past 42 years as a professional vocalist and band leader, raising two amazing daughters along the way and sharing the stage and the studio with such brilliant artists and mentors as Carole King, Chaka Khan, Tower of Power, The Neville Brothers and Maurice White and Jeanette Hutchinson from from Earth, Wind & Fire and The Emotions. I started writing and recording my original music in 2007 and have since completed seven albums, including my latest, Keep On Reaching, released in November of 2023. You can listen, download, purchase and share it–and all of my music–on my Music and Store pages as well as on streaming platforms such as Apple Music/i-Tunes, Spotify, Youtube, Amazon Music, Pandora, Bandcamp, Soundcloud, etc. I’ve recorded more original music with my band, Global Soul Experience and my vocal ensemble, Spirit Voices, so feel free to take a listen here: https://soundcloud.com/globalsoulexperience; https://soundcloud.com/spirit-voices.
Here’s where I am today: In addition to my ongoing endeavors as an artist, composer, producer and collaborator, I work with a non-profit called Boulder MUSE (https://www.bouldermuse.org), providing free music lessons and experiences for students in Boulder County, serve as accompanist for a high school choral program, direct my vocal ensemble, Spirit Voices, and volunteer with Streetscape (https://www.streetscapeboulder.org), a peer-led support and outreach program serving Boulder County’s unhoused and under-resourced community members. Each one of these “hats” is worn in alignment with my vision of using music as a tool of transformation, both now and for future generations! What could be better?!
Enjoy my website and thanks for signing up for my mailing list, reaching out with a message and checking out an upcoming event or show. And remember, you are the light of the world!
“A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song”-Maya Angelou