Kelly Joe Phelps was a celebrated slide guitarist and singer-songwriter who played blues, country blues, folk, and Americana music.
Outstanding slide guitarist
Kelly Joe Phelps was a celebrated slide guitarist and singer-songwriter who had many fans. He started out playing jazz and then moved into blues and country blues. His 1994 debut album ‘Lead Me On’ was critically acclaimed and still receives many streams online. He released the album ‘Roll Away the Stone’ on Rykodisc in 1997 and went on to release nine more albums. In January 2013, he announced he was taking a break due to ulnar neuropathy in his right arm and hand.
Notable Quote
“I wanted to figure out a way to improvise like a jazz musician would, but at the same time play a style of music that was more closely linked to folk forms.” – The Guardian
Tributes to Kelly Joe Phelps
Full Obituary: The Guardian
