Paul Kelly Australian rock musician Date of Birth: 13.01.1955 Country: Australia

Biography of Paul Kelly

Paul Maurice Kelly, an Australian rock musician, has made significant contributions to the music industry throughout his career. He was born in 1955 in Adelaide, Australia, to John Erwin Kelly, a lawyer, and Josephine Kelly. Growing up as the sixth of nine children in a musically inclined family, Paul developed an early interest in music. He began playing the piano and trumpet during his school years and was actively involved in various extracurricular activities, such as being the captain of the school cricket team and the class president.

In 1973, Paul enrolled in Flinders University to study arts but dropped out after a year due to dissatisfaction with academic life. He then began writing for a magazine he co-founded with friends and embarked on a journey across the country. Eventually, Kelly settled in Melbourne in 1976. By this time, he had already written several of his own songs and had his first public performance in Hobart in 1974. Although he initially struggled with nerves and alcohol, he overcame these challenges and became more confident as a performer.

In 1981, Paul released his first studio album titled "Talk" under the project name "Paul Kelly and the Dots," which he formed with Chris Langman and John Lloyd. The album achieved significant success, reaching the top 50 in the charts. However, his second album, "Manila," was less successful. This period marked a turbulent time for Paul, as the project disbanded, and he faced difficulties obtaining new contracts. Additionally, he experienced a divorce from his first wife, Hilary Brown, whom he married in 1980, and had a son named Declan Kelly.

In 1983, the "Paul Kelly Band" was formed, but it also faced a short lifespan. During this time, Paul struggled with heroin addiction, leading him to relocate hastily to Sydney. He released his next album, "Post," in 1985, self-financing the project with an investment of AUD 3,500. Shortly after, he formed a stable band called "Paul Kelly and the Coloured Girls," which later changed its name to "Paul Kelly and the Messengers" to avoid any racial connotations.

Throughout the 1990s, Paul Kelly released several albums, including "Gossip," "Under The Sun," "So Much Water So Close to Home," "Comedy," and "Hidden Things," many of which gained attention from the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). He received numerous accolades, including eight ARIA Awards, three APRA Awards, and six Country Music Awards from the Country Music Association of Australia. He was also recognized four times by the Mo Awards, an Australian entertainment industry award, and was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1997.

In the 2000s, Paul Kelly expanded his artistic endeavors by composing soundtracks for films and television. He has contributed to approximately 10 soundtracks and produced around 40 music videos. Alongside his musical career, Paul has also authored, co-authored, or edited at least eight books.

Paul Kelly married Australian actress Kaarin Fairfax in 1993, and they had two daughters, Madeleine and Memphis. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 2001, and the daughters remained with their mother. Since 2008, Paul has been in a relationship with journalist Sian Prior.

Overall, Paul Kelly has made a significant impact in the music industry, having released approximately 20 albums, several compilations, live albums, and dozens of singles. His talent and contributions have earned him widespread recognition and numerous awards throughout his career.