Brian Kelley

Last updated
Brian Kelley
Brian Kelley in 2018.jpg
Brian Kelley during 2018 USO concert
Background information
Birth nameBrian Edward Kelley
Born (1985-08-26) August 26, 1985 (age 38)
Origin Ormond Beach, Florida, U.S.
Genres Country, bro-country
Instrument(s)
  • Vocals
  • acoustic guitar
  • electric guitar
Labels
Member of Florida Georgia Line
Spouse(s)
Brittney Cole
​
(m. 2013)​
Website officialbriankelley.com

Brian Edward Kelley (born August 26, 1985) is an American musician, best known as a member of the Nashville-based duo Florida Georgia Line. [1] Kelley is from Ormond Beach, Florida, and enjoyed playing sports and music growing up. He moved to Nashville to go to school and play baseball at Belmont University, [2] where he met Tyler Hubbard, the other member of Florida Georgia Line.

Contents

Early life

Kelley was born on August 26, 1985, in Ormond Beach, Florida, and is the son of Ed and Mary Margaret Kelley. [3] Growing up, Kelley enjoyed sports and writing and spent most of his time playing baseball or at the beach. As he got older he started to spend more time writing music and leading worship at his church. [4] He also developed a strong love for playing guitar. When he was in his teens, his sister began to introduce him to country artists by playing him tapes on the way to the beach in exchange for Kelley washing her car. By the time Kelley was ready to graduate from Seabreeze High School in 2004 and Daytona State College in 2007, he was splitting his time between baseball (playing college baseball at Daytona State College and Florida State University and being scouted by the pros) and writing music. However, when he was doing more bench sitting than playing, he filled the void with writing. He later decided to move to Belmont University. [5]

Career

Florida Georgia Line (2010–2022)

Kelley was introduced to Tyler Hubbard at Belmont University in 2007 while they were in a campus worship group together. The two became great friends, and began playing guitar and writing songs together. [2] The two friends began playing writers rounds throughout Nashville. In 2009, the duo decided they wanted to pursue music as a career so they started playing shows throughout the American South. In 2010, they independently recorded and digitally distributed their first EP, Anything Like Me. After releasing that EP, they were discovered at a county fair by Nickelback's producer, Joey Moi. After writing and polishing songs for two years, the duo released their second EP It'z Just What We Do in 2012. Major labels became interested in the duo when their debut single, "Cruise", first hit satellite radio on " The Highway " channel and began selling well on iTunes, leading to a record deal with Republic Nashville and Big Machine Label Group. [6]

In the fall of 2011, Kelley signed a publishing deal with Big Loud Shirt. [5]

The duo released their first studio album, Here's to the Good Times , on December 4, 2012, with Republic Nashville. This album was the sixth best selling album of 2013. [7] "Cruise", the first single on the album, reached number 1 on the Country Airplay chart dated December 15, 2012. [8] A remix of "Cruise" featuring Nelly later hit number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song is also the best selling country digital song of all time, with sales of over 7 million, and it spent 24 weeks at number 1 on Hot Country songs. [7] The other singles from this album include "Get Your Shine On", "Round Here", "Stay", and "This Is How We Roll". [9]

Florida Georgia Line announced on August 15, 2014, that their second album would be titled Anything Goes , and would be released on October 14, 2014. [10] They released the album's first single, "Dirt", on July 8, 2014. Other singles from this album include "Sun Daze", "Sippin' On Fire", "Anything Goes" and "Confession".

The duo's third album, Dig Your Roots was released on August 26, 2016. Singles include "H.O.L.Y.", "May We All", "God, Your Mama, And Me" and "Smooth".

They released their fourth studio album, Can't Say I Ain't Country , on February 15, 2019. Singles include "Simple", "Talk You Out of It" and "Blessings".

Their fifth studio album, Life Rolls On , was released on February 12, 2021. It was co-produced by the duo and Corey Crowder, [11] and includes the singles "I Love My Country" and "Long Live". [12]

In 2022, Florida Georgia Line decided to take an indefinite hiatus from touring as well as “taking a break” from making music together as both of the musicians went on to currently focus on their solo careers.

Tree Vibez Music and Round Here Records (2015–present)

In 2015, Hubbard and Kelley started their own artist development and music publishing company called Tree Vibez Music. [13] Since the company began, they have signed writer Jordan Schmidt, writer Jimmie Deeghan, writer/artist Drew Castle as well as singer-songwriters Canaan Smith and RaeLynn. [14] In 2019, Hubbard and Kelley launched Round Here Records; an independent label with Smith signed as the flagship artist. [15]

Solo career and Nashville South Records (2021–present)

In January 2021, Kelley indicated his intentions to have a solo music career while remaining part of Florida Georgia Line, with the support of fellow duo-member Tyler Hubbard. [16] In April 2021, he announced that he had launched his own label, Nashville South Records, to release his new music in partnership with Warner Music Nashville. [17] Kelley referred to himself as a "Beach Cowboy", announcing that new music would be coming with a full album slated for release in late 2021. [18] On April 13, 2021, he released the extended play BK's Wave Pack. [19] The songs from the EP were included on his debut studio album Sunshine State of Mind, which was released on June 25, 2021. [20] Kelly has also launched a stage musical, entitled "May We All", inspired by the Florida Georgia Line song of the same name. [21]

In June 2022, Kelley moved to Big Machine Records, and released the song "American Spirit" the next month. [22]

In January 2024, Kelley released the single, “Trucks, Ducks, Bucks & Beer.” [23]

Personal life

In December 2013, he married his wife, Brittney Marie (née Cole) Kelley. [24] [25]

Discography

Studio albums

Studio album, with selected details
TitleDetails
Sunshine State of Mind
Tennessee Truth

Extended plays

Extended play, with selected details
TitleDetails
BK's Wave Pack [19]
  • Release date: April 13, 2021
  • Label: Nashville South / Warner Music Nashville
  • Format: Digital download, streaming

Charted singles

List of charted singles
TitleYearPeak positionsAlbum
US
Country
Airplay
[27]
"See You Next Summer"202328Tennessee Truth
"Kiss My Boots"2024—

See also

Related Research Articles

Canaan Lee Smith is an American country music singer and songwriter signed with Round Here Records, an independent label founded by Florida Georgia Line. He has released two albums, Bronco in 2015 and High Country Sound in 2021. His second single, "Love You Like That", was a Number One hit on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. He was also a reality television contestant on the 15th season of The Amazing Race.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cruise (song)</span> 2012 single by Florida Georgia Line

"Cruise" is a song recorded by American country music duo Florida Georgia Line. It was first released to iTunes in April 2012 and then to radio on August 6, 2012 as the first single from their extended play It'z Just What We Do. It was written by group members Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard with Joey Moi, Chase Rice, and Jesse Rice. It is included on their first album for Republic Nashville, Here's to the Good Times, released on December 4. "Cruise" is the best-selling country digital song of all time in the United States as of January 2014. The song is considered the foremost example of the genre of country music termed "bro-country".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Florida Georgia Line</span> American country music duo

Florida Georgia Line is an American country music duo founded in 2010 by vocalists and songwriters Tyler Hubbard of Georgia and Brian Kelley of Florida. Their 2012 debut single "Cruise" broke two major sales records: it was downloaded over seven million times, making it the first country song ever to receive the Diamond certification, and it became the best-selling digital country song, with 24 weeks at number one, until it was surpassed in July 2017 by Sam Hunt's "Body Like a Back Road". Their music style is described as "bro-country", which incorporates production elements from rock and hip hop music, and tends to cover subject matter such as partying, drinking, driving trucks and sexual attraction.

<i>Heres to the Good Times</i> 2012 studio album by Florida Georgia Line

Here's to the Good Times is the debut studio album by American country music duo Florida Georgia Line. It was released on December 4, 2012, by Republic Nashville. The album includes the five tracks from their It'z Just What We Do EP, along with six new songs. The deluxe edition, titled Here's to the Good Times… This Is How We Roll, was released on November 25, 2013. The album was the sixth best-selling album of 2013 in the United States, and became certified two-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on July 1, 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tyler Hubbard</span> American singer-songwriter (born 1987)

Tyler Reed Hubbard is an American singer-songwriter, and musician, best known as a member of the Nashville-based duo Florida Georgia Line. After that duo went on hiatus in 2021, Hubbard began recording as a solo artist on EMI Nashville. His first solo chart entry was a guest vocalist on Tim McGraw's "Undivided", followed by his first solo single "5 Foot 9", which topped the Billboard Country Airplay charts in 2022. He released his self-titled debut album in 2023.

<i>Itz Just What We Do</i> 2012 EP by Florida Georgia Line

It'z Just What We Do is the second EP by American country music duo Florida Georgia Line. It was released in May 2012, by Big Loud Mountain. All five songs from the extended play later appeared on their debut studio album, Here's to the Good Times (2012).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tippin' Point</span> 2013 single by Dallas Smith

"Tippin' Point" is a song recorded by Canadian country and rock artist Dallas Smith for his debut extended play of the same name (2014). It was released October 8, 2013, as the lead single for his then-forthcoming second studio album, as well as his first single in the American market since signing with Republic Nashville. A critical and commercial success, "Tippin' Point" peaked in the top 40 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 and set a record for the fastest Canadian country single to reach Gold certification by selling over 40,000 units in 13 weeks; it has since been certified Platinum.

<i>Anything Goes</i> (Florida Georgia Line album) 2014 studio album by Florida Georgia Line

Anything Goes is the second studio album by American country music duo Florida Georgia Line. It was released on October 14, 2014, by Republic Nashville. The release of the album was announced August 15 from Central Park in New York City on Good Morning America. The album was produced by Joey Moi. Its first single, "Dirt", became Florida Georgia Line's sixth number one hit when it peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

<i>Dig Your Roots</i> 2016 studio album by Florida Georgia Line

Dig Your Roots is the third studio album by American country music duo Florida Georgia Line. The album was released on August 26, 2016, by Big Machine and Big Loud Mountain. As with their first two albums, it is produced by Joey Moi. The two performers were originally known for their upbeat and cross mix of genres within their music but they claimed this album was their "calm down" album. They claimed they are looking to do more than just entertain with this album but to get people to dig deep into what is really important in their lives.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">May We All</span> 2016 single by Florida Georgia Line featuring Tim McGraw

"May We All" is a song recorded by American country music group Florida Georgia Line and country music artist Tim McGraw. It is the second single from the duo's third studio album, Dig Your Roots, which was released on August 26, 2016. The song was written by Rodney Clawson and Jamie Moore. "May We All" was first released for sale on July 16, 2016 by Republic Nashville as an album and released as a single to radio in August.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Make It Easy</span> 2018 single by Jason Aldean

"You Make It Easy" is a song written by Florida Georgia Line members Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley with Morgan Wallen and Jordan Schmidt and recorded by American country music singer Jason Aldean. It was released in February 2018 as the first single from Aldean's 2018 album Rearview Town.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Simple (Florida Georgia Line song)</span> 2018 single by Florida Georgia Line

"Simple" is a song by American country music duo Florida Georgia Line. It is their fifteenth solo single release, and the first from their fourth studio album Can't Say I Ain't Country. Written by duo members Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley along with Michael Hardy and Mark Holman, the song expresses romantic love as a "simple" concept. The song has been promoted through the use of black-and-white photography on the duo's Instagram account, along with a music video directed by Justin Clough.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Talk You Out of It</span> 2018 single by Florida Georgia Line

"Talk You Out of It" is a song recorded by American country music duo Florida Georgia Line. It is their sixteenth solo single release, and the second from their fourth studio album Can't Say I Ain't Country. The song was written by Michael Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Jameson Rodgers and Alysa Vanderheym.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blessings (Florida Georgia Line song)</span> 2019 single by Florida Georgia Line

"Blessings" is a song recorded by American country music duo Florida Georgia Line. It was the third and final single from their fourth studio album Can't Say I Ain't Country. Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, the duo's two members, co-wrote the song with Tom Douglas, Jesse Frasure, Jordan Schmidt, and Ernest Keith Smith. It is their lowest-peaking single to date, missing the top 20 of the Billboard Country Airplay and Hot Country Songs charts.

<i>6-Pack</i> (EP) 2020 EP by Florida Georgia Line

6-Pack is an EP by American country music duo Florida Georgia Line. It was released on May 22, 2020 under BMLG Records. The EP includes the single "I Love My Country" as well as the track "Second Guessing" from the duo’s appearance on Songland. All six songs from the EP are included on the duo’s fifth studio album Life Rolls On.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Long Live (Florida Georgia Line song)</span> 2020 song by Florida Georgia Line

"Long Live" is a song recorded by American country music duo Florida Georgia Line. It was released on September 10, 2020 as the second single from their fifth studio album Life Rolls On. It was written by the duo's members Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, along with David Garcia, Corey Crowder and Josh Miller.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lil Bit</span> 2020 single by Nelly and Florida Georgia Line

"Lil Bit" is a song recorded by American hip hop artist Nelly with country duo Florida Georgia Line. It marks the third collaboration between the artists after the remix of the duo's hit single "Cruise" in 2013, and the song "Walk Away" from Nelly's album M.O. in the same year. It is the lead single from Nelly's country-influenced eighth studio album Heartland. Florida Georgia Line released an "FGL Remix" of the track on the digital-exclusive deluxe edition of their fifth studio album Life Rolls On.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thank You Lord (song)</span> 2021 single by Chris Tomlin

"Thank You Lord" is a song by American contemporary Christian musician Chris Tomlin featuring American country music singer-songwriter Thomas Rhett and country duo Florida Georgia Line. The song was released as the third single from his thirteenth studio album, Chris Tomlin & Friends (2020), to Christian radio in the United States on August 13, 2021. Tomlin co-wrote the song with Corey Crowder, David Garcia, Thomas Rhett, and Tyler Hubbard. The single was produced by Brian Kelley, Chris Tomlin, Corey Crowder, and Tyler Hubbard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">5 Foot 9</span> 2022 single by Tyler Hubbard

"5 Foot 9" is a song by American country music singer Tyler Hubbard, best known as one-half of the duo Florida Georgia Line. The song is Hubbard's first release as a solo artist. It was released on May 23, 2022 as the lead single from his self-titled debut solo album.

<i>Tyler Hubbard</i> (album) 2023 studio album by Tyler Hubbard

Tyler Hubbard is the debut solo studio album by American country music singer Tyler Hubbard. It was released on January 27, 2023, by EMI Nashville and Hubbard House Records.

References

  1. ↑ "About". Florida Georgia Line. 22 November 2013. Retrieved 2015-07-21.
  2. 1 2 "Tyler Hubbard". Big Loud Shirt. Archived from the original on 2015-04-10. Retrieved 2015-07-21.
  3. ↑ "Facts". Florida Georgia Line Net. Retrieved 2015-07-21.
  4. ↑ Black, Lauren. "An In-Depth Look at Florida Georgia Line". Answers.com. Archived from the original on 23 July 2015. Retrieved 21 July 2015.
  5. 1 2 "Brian Kelley". Big Loud Shirt. Archived from the original on 2015-04-10. Retrieved 2015-07-21.
  6. ↑ Parker, Eric T. (16 July 2012). "Florida Georgia Line Signs to Republic Nashville/BMLG". MusicRow. Retrieved July 21, 2015.
  7. 1 2 "Billboard Cover: Florida Georgia Line on Being 'Professional Partiers,' Haters and Hip-Hop". Billboard. Retrieved 2021-07-23.
  8. ↑ "Country Airplay Week of December 15, 2012". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved July 21, 2015.
  9. ↑ Wyland, Sarah. "Florida Georgia Line Announces Deluxe Edition of Debut jAlbum". Great American Country. Archived from the original on 5 October 2013. Retrieved 21 July 2015.
  10. ↑ Howell, Coti. "Florida Georgia Line Prove 'Anything Goes' on 'GMA,' Announce New Album" . Retrieved July 21, 2015.
  11. ↑ Hudak, Joseph (December 4, 2020). "Florida Georgia Line Ready New Album 'Life Rolls On'". Rolling Stone . Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  12. ↑ Hayes, JJ (February 9, 2021). "COUNTRY MUSIC MINUTE-FGL IS READY FOR YOU TO HEAR THEIR NEW ALBUM "LIFE ROLLS ON"". KFDI.
  13. ↑ "Florida Georgia Line Members Launch Music Publishing Company". MusicRow.com. 29 April 2015. Retrieved 2015-07-21.
  14. ↑ "Florida Georgia Line Signs Two To Tree Vibez Music". MusicRow.com. 15 May 2015. Retrieved 2015-07-21.
  15. ↑ Reuter, Annie (August 15, 2019). "Florida Georgia Line Launch Round Here Records With Flagship Artist Canaan Smith: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
  16. ↑ Whitaker, Sterling (January 2, 2021). "Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley to Release Solo Music Apart From Florida Georgia Line". Taste of Country. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
  17. ↑ Whitaker, Sterling (March 31, 2021). "Florida Georgia Line's Brian Kelley Signs Solo Partnership, Teases New 'Beach Cowboy' Music [Listen]". Taste of Country. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
  18. ↑ Newman, Melinda (March 31, 2021). "Florida Georgia Line's Brian Kelley Partners with Warner Music Nashville for Solo Music: Exclusive". Billboard . Retrieved March 31, 2021.
  19. 1 2 Hudak, Joseph (April 6, 2021). "Florida Georgia Line's Brian Kelley to Release Solo Debut". Rolling Stone .
  20. 1 2 Hollabaugh, Lorie (June 11, 2021). "Brian Kelley Rides Solo Wave With New 'Sunshine State Of Mind' Project". Music Row Magazine.
  21. ↑ Yahr, Emily. "Analysis | After rumors of a rift, country duo Florida Georgia Line decided the music is more important". Washington Post. ISSN   0190-8286 . Retrieved 2022-04-20.
  22. ↑ "BIG MACHINE RECORDS WELCOMES BRIAN KELLEY". Big Machine Records . June 16, 2022. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
  23. ↑ Contributor, Hook & Barrel (2024-01-13). "Brian Kelley Drops New Hit: 'Trucks, Ducks, Bucks & Beer'". Hook & Barrel Magazine. Retrieved 2024-04-16.{{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  24. ↑ "Brian Kelley Marries Brittney Marie Cole". People.com. 16 December 2013.
  25. ↑ "Verified Happy 8 years, my love💖We're really doing it, aren't we?!". instagram.com. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  26. ↑ Anderson, Liza (2024-03-06). "Brian Kelley To Tell His 'Tennessee Truth' In May". MusicRow.com. Retrieved 2024-03-07.
  27. ↑ "Brian Kelley Chart History: Country Airplay". Billboard . Retrieved November 18, 2023.
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