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R.O.M.A.N.C.E.
awaits you... As does our little tale.
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Norman
Kelsey was born on Feb 6 in Cleveland, Ohio in the age of
Aquarius. He began his musical career by singing and dancing in
his living room to "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club
Band" and Jackson 5 singles.
As a kid, Norman's family migrated to the deep south to escape
the annual May blizzard. After being asked to perform in a high
school talent show at Terry Parker H.S. in Jacksonville, FL,
Norman decided to pursue music over a career in foreign service
(true story). He even played at the now-defunct Einstein A Go-Go at
Jax Beach. And in 2006, Norman was named one of his school's
prominent alumni (true, again).
Norman managed to graduate from Georgetown University
while afflicted with what his roommates called "Beatles on
the brain." While there, he performed in a musical improv
troupe called Rebels Without Applause and honed his musical
chops in occasional coffee house settings singing songs by Roy
Orbison, Prince and the Fab Four.
A move to California came next, where Norman was a member of
several popular L.A. based groups including Idle Kings, Bat
Country and Rush Hour Soul (RHS). As the lead singer of RHS,
Norman toured the UK in 2006 with barnstorming stops in York,
Barnsley, London, Sheffield, Huddersfield and one magical night
in Liverpool playing at the Cavern Club.
In 2007, Norman went solo with a debut CD (produced by his
mentor Adam Marsland) in tow. Norman's goal with the album was
to create a record with varied flavors, reminiscent of a Summer
day back when radio would spin a pop song, a funk song, a rock
song, a disco song and R&B ballad and an anthem back-to-back
without flinching.
Several songs from "A TALENT FOR LOVING" have made an
impact on internet and terrestrial radio, specifically the smash
hit ballad "Everything My Heart Desires." (Please see
the reviews for more) The title
track and the new single "Everything My Heart Desires"
have been featured on RadioIO's Nu-Soul, WICN 91.5
FM's Soul Serenade, & BBC Radio's The
Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show.
The Norman Invasion '08 Tour took Norman and his backing
band to England once again. Select markets were treated to
his unique brand of sunshine funk for 4 nights in May. Included
were two dates back at the historic Cavern Club and a blazing
slot at Zebra in Maidstone, Kent.
Folks in L.A. are invited to
hear him every Sunday in the chancel choir at FUMC
North Hollywood.
Professionally, Norman recently joined the recording academy.
The past 2 years he has attended the Grammy Awards cheering on
the artists he's voted for. He also publishes his music through
his own company, Mighty Ohio Music (BMI).
Norman ranks among his musical heroes and influences: Prince,
The Beatles, Michael Jackson, ABC/Martin Fry, Sam & Dave, James
Brown, Culture Club, Sly & The Family Stone, The Rolling
Stones, Steely Dan and James Carter. Not that you will ever hear
those artists in his work, necessarily.
His non-musical heroes are Jesus Christ, his grandfather Jerry
Vail and his father Herb Kelsey. A self-confessed Mama's boy, he
dearly loves his Gmom and Mom.
Norman currently resides in North Hollywood. He is married and
is the proud father of a 12 year-old Staffordshire Terrier.
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