At the youthful age of twenty, the lyrical and musical talents that Elijah Kelley has been blessed with are far beyond his years. Born in Lagrange, Georgia to family deeply rooted in southern gospel music Elijah from birth was destined to sing. By the time Elijah was 3 he had become the fourth member of the family’s famous touring gospel Quartet “The Leonard Familyâ€.
At the age of seven Elijah began to develop his passion for the silver screen. After seeing the likes of “Will Smith†and “Raven Simone†on television and in movies he question himself, “Why can’t I do that?†With God on his side and a supportive mother, him and his family began the journey toward music and acting greatness.
The singer/actor/songwriter/producer recently starred as “Seaweed†in the New Line Cinema movie musical “Hairspray†(hairspraythemovie.com) acting, singing, and dancing along side entertainment greats such as John Travolta, Queen Latifa, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, newcomer Nikki Blonsky and “High School Musicals†Zac Efron. ‘Hairspray†will be one of 2007 biggest blockbuster hits, already having the highest screen test ratings in movie
history. Elijah also Starred as “Danjou†alongside Antonio Banderas and Rob Brown in New Line Cinema Ballroom classic “Take The Leadâ€(2006)
Elijah has recently performed on televisions biggest stage†The Oprah Whinfrey Show.†Performing the songs from the movie “Hairspray†as “Seaweed,†Elijah wowed the audience with his slick moves and soulful voice earning him a standing ovation. Elijah has also performed as “Seaweed†in front of pack crowds of over 5000 people for “Show West†in Las Vegas and “Show Canada†in Niagara Falls.
Elijah is known for making classic pop “Love Songsâ€, with his never ending imagination and artistic energy he has written and produced songs for superstar artist such as Diana Ross and Omarion as well with up and coming rapper K. Smith (Will Smith’s nephew) and Evan Ross (Diana Ross’s Son). Elijah also has 4 songs on the “Hairspray†soundtrack set to ship platinum. The video for†Run Tell That†(Elijah’s lead single off the Hairspray Album) will start airing on BET June 4, 2007.
Infusing pop melodies to rich soulful pop production is sure to hit with fans and critics alike. Using mostly in house production team, headed by partner Darryl â€Darulah†Farmer, they together created a sound called Pop soul. With the album currently in production Elijah has reached deep inside to pull out classic Pop soul records to let the industry and the world know that he is ready for stardom.
Citing Sammy Davis Jr., Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles and, Diana Ross as his most influential entertainers, Elijah’s songs invoke the, renaissance but pop feeling. Whether its in the mall, out on a date, or on the dance floor, Elijah Kelley’s music is filled with zeal and intense energy that pulls you into the music and puts you into the zone. Elijah Kelley is taking the industry by storm, as he finesses and challenges pop music with his writing, production, acting and vocal talents. Much more than your typical male R&B singer, Elijah Kelley is a rare artist, the artist of the future.
