SONGWRITER

Kelley Lovelace was born in Paducah, KY but was primarily raised in Hixson, TN on the outskirts of Chattanooga. He currently lives in Franklin, TN just a few miles south of Nashville.

Upon completion of basic training in the United States Army, Kelley received the coveted Distinguished Honor Graduate Award recognizing him as the top soldier in the company. He continued to excel in the military and obtained the rank of specialist (E-­4) before receiving an honorable discharge for faithfully completing his two-­year term of service at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia.

As a cum laude graduate of Belmont University, Kelley began working and writing at Larry Butler’s music publishing company, Perdido Key Music. In just three years he became President of this publishing company, owned by Shug Baggott, and dubbed it Music Alley before choosing to write songs full-time and landing a songwriting deal with EMI Music Publishing. As a writer, he has had many songs recorded by artists such as Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kenney Chesney, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Sheryl Crow, Lauren Alaina, Randy Houser, Scotty McCreary, Terri Clark, Montgomery Gentry, Joe Nichols, and many others. Among these recordings are 22 Top 10 Billboard/R&R/Mediabase hits: 18 of which have reached the #1 position.

Kelley has also received Song of the Year nominations for “He Didn’t Have To Be,” co-­written with and recorded by Brad Paisley, from the Country Music Association (CMA), the Academy of Country Music (ACM), and the TNN Music Awards. Kelley’s first Grammy nomination came in 2002 in the category of Best Country Song for “The Impossible” recorded by Joe Nichols and co-­written with Lee Miller. He has been awarded Song of the Year for “He Didn’t Have To Be” by the TNN Music Awards and Music Row Magazine and is co-­author of a gift book for stepfathers entitled He Didn’t Have To Be. Kelley’s second book, published by Rutledge Hill Press, is entitled If You’ve Got A Dream, I’ve Got A Plan. This book is a must-read for all aspiring songwriters.

As an active member, Kelley shares the vision of the Nashville Songwriters Association International of protecting the rights of songwriters worldwide. He is an ordained Deacon and has served at Brentwood Baptist Church. He also donates his time and talents as the celebrity spokesperson for Bethel Bible Village, a Christ-centered home for children in crisis. He organizes and performs his songs live to help raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for charities and ministries such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Live Beyond, and Pursue Ministries.