Kellye Gray

A native Texan, singer Kellye Gray began making a name on the Austin scene during the '80s fronting a versatile band that covered a range of artists ranging from jazz and pop to funk and blues. Her musical diversity and bluesy voice attracted a following among college students and locals alike, and she was soon headlining many of Austin's music festivals. During this time, Gray struck up a friendship with up-and-coming musician Kirk Whalum and, during a performance in Houston in 1987, he invited her on-stage. Warmed by the reception, she subsequently moved there and attracted the attention of Justice Records who signed her. Her debut, Standards in Gray, featured renditions of standards and continued to expand her fan base. She had moved to San Francisco by the time she followed that release with Tomato Kiss in 1994. Returning to Austin in 2001, she recorded a live performance entitled Blue and Pink which was scheduled for release during the summer of 2002. ~ Tom Demalon