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Biography Few careers have had closer brushes with well deserved superstardom than that of KELLY LANG — whose name and beautiful face bring instant recognition with country music fans. The title of her much anticipated album says it all: “It’s About Time.” Her debut single, “Goodbye Darlin’,” is proof that for everything there is indeed a season. The heartfelt tribute to Conway Twitty comes from an artist who grew up in the very shadow of his imposing legend. One of four children, Kelly was born in Oklahoma. Her dad, Velton Lang, worked with Conway Twitty as his road manager for more than 25 years. Kelly recalls: “As a little girl, I used to sit on the side of the stage with my dad and watch Conway perform…and I remember thinking to myself, now that’s what I want to do when I grow up!” She remembers thinking too that growing up around Conway and the biggest name in country music was something quite natural. Kelly recorded her first Billboard single, “Lady, Lady” at the age of 15—filmed a video that came to the attention of CMT—and in rapid fire time was soon appearing as a regular on Nashville’s popular Ralph Emery Morning Show. Her teen years were a whirlwind that found the dark haired, green-eyed beauty poised on the very edge of a break thru to major stardom. She moved to national attention as a frequent guest on the highly popular Music City Tonight, with Crook & Chase, televised on TNN. Kelly next made the finals of Ed McMahon’s popular weekly televised Star Search—bringing her vibrant, pure country vocal style to mainstream audiences. Confident and comfortable onstage, Kelly Lang launched into more national spotlights: The Statler Brothers Show, Church Street Station, Fantasy, Pickin’ In The Paradise—she was an in demand young artist for virtually every Nashville based production of the day. She became a semi-regular artist on Ralph’s Emery’s popular “Nashville Now” on TNN, pulling in major viewer mail and a large national fan base. On the road in concert, Kelly shared billings with legends such as Ronnie Milsap, Brenda Lee, George Jones, Lorrie Morgan, Ricky Skaggs, and TG Sheppard—as well as many of the hot new artists from her own peer group. She won raves for acting roles in commercials for Oldsmobile with fellow artist Mark Collie, and in her rare time off the road she fielded national modeling offers. To the music industry’s surprise, in her late teens Kelly married and moved out of the spotlight-ultimately to have two beautiful daughters—Payton and Kennedy both of whom became the consuming lights of her life. Although happy in the role of motherhood, Kelly still somehow never lost her desire for music and the desire for success in the love of music that had been instilled in childhood. While not actively touring or doing major television she reached deep within herself to pull out a yet untapped goldmine of creativity--songwriting. Her songs were deep, sensitive and reflective—or bright and filled with the sparkle that have become a Kelly Lang trademark. Each held an obvious spark of the heart and soul of their writer. On most days, you can find Kelly writing either with her dear friend, Lorrie Morgan and co-writer Mark Oliverius (The trio just completed the current Lorrie Morgan cd "I Walk Alone"). Or working alongside her new husband, country legend, T.G. Sheppard in the studio. Kelly had so many songs stored up in her catalog from her life experiences, from going through a divorce, becoming a single mother of 2 girls for seven years and a battle with aggressive breast cancer, it was time she began to share them with a listening audience, and they began to strike a lot of nervesand pull at heartstrings. Her love of life and passion for helping others showed in the 'Night Of Healing" tornado benefit she spearheaded and raised money for the victims. Her career highlight was singing a duet that evening with her favorite artist, Barry Gibb. Her writing has grabbed the attention of so many artists lately as poinient and heartfelt. Here are a few quotes from musical legends: "Knowing Kelly for the past few years she has become a beloved friend and a part of our family. She bears the glow of creativity and whenever she walks in the room it is obvious to everyone. From writing beautiful songs to painting pictures from the heart she is a true artist in so many ways. There is only one Kelly – Love you Kelly." Barry Gibb "Kelly is a multi-talented person with a heart of gold. Her talents have more facets than a diamond ring. A great singer, songwriter, musician, painter, comic and entertainer. However it is her sincere devotion to being a great mother, wife and friend that is so endearing. My wife and I love Kelly and we are blessed to have her as one of our closest friends. Kelly Lang is a rare jewel." William Lee Golden /Oak Ridge Boys " I have had the pleasure of knowing Kelly for quite some time. Her talent never ceases to amaze me. I've seen her blossom into a strong woman, mother and survivor. Truly a light in my ife, better known as a star." Lorrie Morgan Check out Cracker Barrel for Kelly's new cd released this August, "Lullaby Country", in the Cracker Barrel Baby Collection. Be watching for her in the Cindy Crawford cosmetic commercial, "Meaningful Beauty" Most importantly, be looking for her current project with T.G. Sheppard. She has an impressive 10 cuts on this major project T.G. Sheppard-Partners In Rhyme, with some of music's greatest legends. Some of the artists that have recorded her songs include Crystal Gayle, B.J. Thomas, Jimmy Fortune, Lorrie Morgan, The Oak Ridge Boys, Ricky Skaggs, The Whites, T.G. Sheppard, George Jones, Janie Fricke and Jerry Lee Lewis.
Kelly Lang
· Regular on Ralph Emery Morning Show (7yrs)
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