The First 50 years

as recalled by Doug Kelly.

Woody Kelly organized the music group known as Kelly’s Old Timers around 1950. He had previously played with The Checkerboys, The Ex-Cheks and several other groups through the 1940’s, and wanted to develop his own program of music and calls for round and square dances.

During the 1950’s and 60’s, Woody teamed up with his brother Roger Kelly on guitar, Keith Morgan on Bass and John “Curly” Myers on the fiddle. They were the regulars, and were sometimes joined by vocalists Alice Myers and Bill Loop, who also played guitar. Many excellent musicians have played with the Old Timers over the years, and although the group has changed, the music program has remained relatively the same: American Standards, Jazz numbers and Eastern Square Dances.

Several couples have danced to the Old Timers at their weddings and at their 50th wedding anniversary a half century later. Roger Kelly, the guitarist, probably played for both. His unique talent and playing style has earned him the reputation of being the top jazz guitarist in the area. Roger’s son, Eric, now leads the group, plays keyboard and sings vocals. Doug Kelly, Woody’s son, plays upright bass. Guy Macaluso plays trumpet, keyboard or bass as needed, and adds a Dixieland flare to many numbers now played by the group. Tom Kwiecien plays drums and keeps our beat going strong. A special thanks goes to Ken Lowe, who’s square dance calls have allowed us to keep our dancers “Swinging up and down” over the last 20 years.

We would like to dedicate this CD to Woody Kelly (1921-1982) and those others who have played with the group and have since passed on. We think they would be surprised that Kelly’s Old Timers is alive and going strong in the 21st century.

Pictures

OUR THANKS TO: Tom, Gary, Don Kime, Jim Kimball, Karen Canning, Guy and Boo, and all the musicians past and present who we have had the pleasure of working with. All songs used with permission of the publisher. Recorded at Holt Studio, Mt. Morris, NY. Mixed by Gary Holt, Produced by Doug and Eric Kelly. Distributed by Eric Kelly Music and Sound.

For more information about Kelly’s Old Timers or to purchase this CD, E-Mail us at: kot@rochester.rr.com