John Kelly first sang in a folkclub in 1968. Since his first paid engagement in 1969, he has performed solo and in various folk groups, Ceildh bands,concerts, festivals and on TV and on radio. After a period away from the folkscene and some years of sporadic activity, he is now making a full time return to to the folk clubs.

His repertoire consists mainly of British traditional songs, ballads and music, accompanied on a variety of instruments including harmonium, cittern, guitar and whistle.