Irene Kelley
Releases her latest single
"4TH OF JULY IN MY HOMETOWN"
(Harmony by Trisha Yearwood)
“The idea for ‘4th of July in My Hometown’ has been rolling around in my head for a few years,” says Irene Kelley. “Being from the small town of Latrobe, PA where we celebrated our nation’s birthday with great enthusiasm, I have some vivid happy memories. I also have proud veterans in my family who were always a central part of these celebrations. Anyone who comes from a small town in America can likely relate. Writing this with my daughter, Justyna, and Steve Cropper was a real joy. When we came upon the line, 'silently we wave' that gives a nod to our armed forces, we all teared up with emotion and patriotism. It is a very special moment and song for the three of us. The absolute icing on the cake is my good friend Trisha Yearwood’s gorgeous harmony and descant parts. I hope that everyone can find a happy memory from their own hometown and that the song lifts their spirits and puts a smile on their face.”
Irene Kelley’s summer 2021 single, “Wild Mountain Stream,” ended up on top of the Bluegrass Today chart for the entire year. Then “Carolina Special” soared to #2 on the weekly Bluegrass Today chart. This spring, “Lonely” twice rose to the top of the Bluegrass Today chart 5 weeks apart!
A Pennsylvania coal miner’s granddaughter, Kelley went from singing lead with the bluegrass band Redwing to Nashville and a pair of major label singles. While her performing career didn’t take off back then, her songwriting career took flight. An exceptional co-writer, she had her hand in songs recorded by Alan Jackson, Trisha Yearwood, Loretta Lynn, Little Big Town, Rhonda Vincent, Claire Lynch, Darrell Scott, The Whites, the Osborne Brothers, and
Bill Anderson. Returning full speed to bluegrass with 2014’s acclaimed Pennsylvania Coal, her solo career finally soared, establishing as a well-rounded bluegrass vocalist and performer as well as a top songwriter. Next came Benny’s TV Repair and its 5 #1 songs, followed by the string of hit singles. “Stay tuned. This next album will have a lot of
sentiment,” she says.