Paul Kelly (American musician) facts for kids

Paul Kelly (born June 19, 1940) is an American singer and songwriter. He is famous for his soul songs. Two of his biggest hits were "Stealing in the Name of the Lord" from 1970 and "Hooked, Hogtied & Collared."

Paul Kelly also wrote "Personally." Many artists have sung this song. It was a hit for soul singer Jackie Moore and singer-songwriter Karla Bonoff. Country singer Ronnie McDowell also had a hit with it. Other songs by Paul Kelly have been sung by gospel groups. These include the Mighty Clouds of Joy and The Staple Singers.

Growing Up in Miami

Paul Kelly was born in Overtown, Miami, Florida. He was the fourth of six children. His grandmother raised him.

Around 1956, Paul's brother Henry started a singing group. Paul was the main singer. The group lasted only a few months. Henry then left Miami for college. Paul later formed a new group with school friends. They were called The Spades, and later The Valadeers.

Starting a Solo Music Career

In 1960, Paul Kelly decided to sing on his own. He recorded a song called "I'll String Along with You." This song was never released.

A singer and producer named Clarence Reid heard Paul sing. He asked Paul to join his group, The Delmiros. Paul recorded a song with them in 1963. It was called "Down with It, Can't Quit It."

First Solo Songs

Paul Kelly's first official solo song was "It's My Baby" in 1965. This song was inspired by a boxing match. It was about Cassius Clay winning against Sonny Liston.

His next song, "Chills and Fever," became popular. It was released by Dial Records. Paul then started working with producer Buddy Killen.

Recording in Muscle Shoals

Paul Kelly released four more songs with Philips Records. These were recorded in Muscle Shoals. One song was a ballad called "Nine Out of Ten Times."

Around this time, Paul often opened concerts for singer Joe Tex. They also wrote a song together called "We're Gonna Make It."

In 1967, Paul moved to Brooklyn, New York City. He continued to write songs there.

The Hit Song: "Stealing in the Name of the Lord"

Paul Kelly wrote "Stealing in the Name of the Lord" for the group Sam & Dave. But they did not record it.

The song talks about people who say one thing but do another. It mentions how some people might use faith for their own gain. Paul said the song was about "what's wrong with [the] church." He felt that "what they talk about and what they do are two different things."

How the Song Became Popular

Paul sold the rights to the song to Buddy Killen. They recorded it in Muscle Shoals. Happy Tiger Records released the song.

At first, some radio stations were worried about playing it. They thought it might upset listeners. But then, a DJ named Rockin' Robin played it many times. People started calling the station to hear it.

"Stealing in the Name of the Lord" became a big hit in 1970. It reached No. 5 on the Cashbox R&B charts. It also reached No. 14 on Billboard's Best Selling Soul Singles chart. The song was also popular in England.

Other Gospel Songs

Even though "Stealing in the Name of the Lord" questioned some things, Paul Kelly also wrote gospel songs. His song "God Can" was recorded by the Staple Singers and the Mighty Clouds of Joy. Mavis Staples also sang Paul's songs "We Got Love" and "I've Been to the Well Before."

Music in the 1970s and 1980s

After his big hit, Happy Tiger Records released an album. But the company soon had problems and closed. Paul Kelly then signed with Warner Bros. Records.

Warner Bros. re-released his album in 1972. They called it Dirt. Paul had another small hit with the song "Don't Burn Me." He also released an album with the same name.

Focusing on Songwriting

As disco music became popular, Paul Kelly's music style changed. He decided to focus more on writing and producing songs. He stopped performing live after 1977.

Around this time, Paul wrote "Personally." He gave the song to Jackie Moore. Later, Karla Bonoff recorded it in 1982. Her version became a No. 19 pop hit. Paul Kelly recorded his own version of "Personally" in 1993.

In 1983, Paul started his own record label, Laurence Records. He used the name "Laurence Dunbar." The label had a small hit with "Bring It on Home to Me." Paul closed the label in 1991.

In the late 1980s, Paul and his family moved to Ruby, South Carolina. He kept sending his new songs to record labels.

Returning to Recording Music

Paul Kelly recorded a new album called Gonna Stick and Stay in 1992.

In 1994 and 1995, he faced some health challenges. These problems affected his singing voice. He also decided to become a vegetarian.

In 1996, Warner Bros. Records released a CD called The Best of Paul Kelly.

Paul recorded another album in 1998 called Let's Celebrate Life. It included a new version of "Stealing in the Name of the Lord."

In 2011, Paul Kelly released an album called 1984. It had songs he recorded in that year that had never been released before.