Kelly Love Jones, Deezle

Biography

Kelly Love Jones, born and raised in New Orleans East, Louisiana, grew up in a musical family where her parents played music frequently, her mother Patricia sang, and her sister performed theater. At 17, she moved to Atlanta to finish high school with her father Bruce, where she immersed herself in hip hop, forming her first group Understatement and freestyling at pep rallies. Returning to New Orleans after studying videography and sound recording at The Art Institute of Houston, she began performing with local jazz and brass band musicians, including opening for George Porter Jr. and collaborating with The Original Pinettes Brass Band. In 2006, while living in Peru, she learned cajón playing, which became a signature element of her multi-instrumentalist style blending soul, reggae, folk, hip hop, and storytelling focused on healing, empowerment, and forgiveness.[3][2][4][6]

Her career advanced through gigs at New Orleans clubs like Funky Butt, talent shows, and high-profile appearances such as opening for Lenny Kravitz at the 2001 Jazz and Heritage Festival and performing at Black Americana Fest. In 2004 (noted as 2006 in some sources), she was appointed a United Nations 'Messenger of Truth' at the World Music Summit in Barcelona for inspiring impoverished youth globally. Jones has produced and directed theatrical productions like 'TRUST' and 'Pitch Dark,' premiered in Louisiana and Atlanta, and released albums including 'Surrender.' She continues as a singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer/director, with recent work including the 'Triumphant Tour' in 2010 and residencies like A Studio in the Woods in 2023.[3][2][4][6]

Deezle (Darius Harrison), a New Orleans native record producer, co-produced Lil Wayne's hit 'Lollipop' with Jim Jonsin and contributes to movie scores with Donald Harrison, such as 'Right to Return' and 'Rachel Getting Married.' He is launching Drum Major Music and has collaborated with Kelly Love Jones on tracks like 'I'm In Love' and remixes from her 'TRUST' album.[1][2][3]

Fun Facts

• Learned cajón playing on the streets of Peru in 2006 from a female street musician, which became a key part of her performances.[3]
• Appointed UN 'Messenger of Truth' after a doctor recognized her music's impact on people and flew her to Barcelona summit.[3]
• Her family is deeply involved: parents attend every show, talk to fans, and dance onstage with her.[3]
• Started with hip hop freestyling in Atlanta high school pep rallies, banging on benches, before incorporating singing and instruments.[3]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Sade - major stylistic influence and inspiration from first major concert (Seeing Sade and Digable Planets live inspired lifelong career dedication) [early career, young adult]
• Chaka Khan - personal encouragement and advice (Met at event; advised 'Never give up') [career highlight period]
• James Alsanders - drummer who invited her to studio and early gigs (First studio songs and gigs with his UNO jazz band at Funky Butt) [post-college, early New Orleans gigs]
• George Porter Jr. - provided opening opportunities (Opened for his band) [early career]

Key Collaborators

• Deezle (Darius Harrison) - super producer for recordings and remixes ('I'm In Love', TRUST album remixes) [recent years]
• The Original Pinettes Brass Band - collaborations on performances (Various collaborative projects) [early career]
• Errol Moore - guitarist collaborator (Not specified in detail) [career performances]

External Links

• Spotify