About MaureenMaureen

The Singer
"Power and passion" are words that have been used to describe Maureen Kelly's voice and music. Maureen blends life experience with her Blues/Rock/Gospel leanings and a love of folk to create her own contemporary sound.

Maureen was raised in a small town in Wyoming. "I remember the beauty of the land and all the things I could do as a young kid in rural America, but then there was adolescence..." Maureen began singing at a young age. When she was about 3 she presented her inspired rendition of "Hang Down Your Head Tom Dooley" and other classics like "Them Old Cotton Fields Back Home." Maureen was drawn to recording artists who could really get into the music including Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Joe Cocker, Janice Joplin, and, a little later, Melissa Etherage.

Maureen studied music, but decided to leave school, join a band and experience the real world. "I hit the road in a beat up 65 Chevy pickup, traveling around Alberta Canada with 3 guys in the middle of winter. I knew I was in for a wild ride."

Since then Maureen has performed all over the US and much of the world, including performances at The Sahara Tahoe, The Portland Rose Festival and The Amnesty International Poetry of Witness Concert.

While living and performing in LA Maureen's singing and songwriting ability caught the attention of songwriter Bert Carroll, TV and film producer/director Steve Binder and harmonica player Lee Oskar, who encouraged and helped her to record her own music.

The combination of Maureen Kelly's lyrics, melodies and vocal performance is truly remarkable. When she sings people listen. Joe Puleo of WIDR radio said "...Never heard of her before, but I know I'll never forget her now."

The Songwriter
Maureen is a published, BMI affiliated, singer-songwriter. She had 10 songs on the ballot for a GRAMMY award. They are on the album “Pendulum Dream”, released by Texas Rose Records. She has had her songs published by Yellow Rose of Texas Publishing Company, Tip Music and Rio Hard Luck Music and have been offered publishing contracts by Baby Huey Music and Big Wedge Music. Below are a few reviews of Maureen's music.

“She first of all meets my weaknesses, a great voice and heartfelt lyrics, melodic songs, ...She has that rare talent as a storyteller with the musical ability to transmit her feeling and story in song. I get the feeling she's been around awhile, paid some significant dues, and being true to her heart, shines pure, mature, and perfect.”
Jack Sutton, Harmony Ridge Music

“Maureen's songs are great”
Steve Binder, TV, Film and Emmy Awards Producer/Director

“Very good, never heard of her before, but I know I’ll never forget her now. Send more.”
Joe Puleo, Music Director, WIDR Kalamazoo, MI

“Good songs, good music/lyrics—great voice. This will get air play on KBOO.”
KBOO, Portland, OR

“We like this! Could you send more copies please?”
Tom Schuabel, Music Director, KCRW, Santa Monica, CA

“Music content was classy and bright. Enjoyed it very much.”
Jon Kettering, Music Director, KMHD, Portland, OR

Maureen’s Musical Trail
Started “singing out” at age three.

Performed in many festivals and competitions in grade school and high school and won numerous awards.

Studied music, with an emphasis on voice, in college and privately.

Joined first pop band and went on the road.

Toured Canada and the US.

Moved to LA and joined a show band.

Performed in Vegas, Reno and Tahoe and other show venues across the US.

Did two overseas tours in Asia and Europe.

Moved to New Orleans and met and performed with some incredible blues and jazz musicians, including 50's greats Ernie K-Doe and Lee Dorsey.

Moved back to LA.

Did backup recording for various artists, including cutting some tracks for former “War” member and harmonica guru Lee Oskar. Was encouraged by Lee: “When you've got a voice like that you have to keep going for it.”

Started writing and recording in earnest and working on solo career.

Had many songs selected by producers/publishers at BMI's songwriter showcases.

Wrote songs with Bert Carroll, who co-wrote the Elvis hit “Wear My Ring Around Your Neck” and Johnny Blackburn who penned “Moonlight in Vermont”.

Had six songs selected by TIP music and recorded by Texas artist Tracy Ryan.

Was encouraged and helped to make some connections by Steve Binder, who produced and directed the 1968 Elvis comeback film, as well as several major motion pictures, and more recently Emmy award shows.

Recorded first album of all self-penned songs “Yesterdays Child”

Showcased and performed at some notable events including Amnesty internationals “Poetry of Witness Concert.”

Decided to take a hiatus and move to Oregon for the beauty.

Started writing, recording and performing again.

Recorded two CD's worth of self-penned material in the past two years.

Had CD “Pendulum Dream” released on “Texas Rose Records” and was considered for a Grammy award.

Reconnected with Steve Binder who said: “Maureen's CD (Pendulum Dream) is Great!”

Began writing another collection of Blues/Rock/Gospel songs.

Still singing out and going for it.

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