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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 legendary & now-defunct Einstein A Go-Go
at
Jax Beach. And in 2006, Norman was named one of his school's
most prominent alumni (true, again).
Norman managed to graduate from Georgetown University
while afflicted with what his roommates called "Beatles on
the brain." There, he performed in a musical improv
troupe called Rebels Without Applause and honed his musical
chops in coffee house settings singing songs by Roy Orbison, Prince and the Fab Four.
California called 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, released the first
week of 2008 and produced by his
mentor Adam Marsland. 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-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
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 performing
special music at FUMC
North Hollywood on occasion. Norman also preaches the Good News
every 3rd
Sunday of the month at 8:15 AM in their Boyer Chapel.
Professionally, Norman is a voting member of the recording academy.
The past 2 years he has attended the GRAMMY Awards cheering on
the artists he's voted for. In
2008, for the 51st
GRAMMY Awards,
Norman was an official entrant in eight categories on the
nominating ballot.
In June 2009, Norman helped kick off Universal
CityWalk's Celebrity Summer Concert series playing before an
enthusiastic crowd of several hundred people. He also ended
the year performing a benefit for WHY's Imagine There's No Hunger campaign on
Citywalk.
Summer of 2010 promises to be a busy time for Norman. He and his
band will have several high profile shows, including a return to
the IPO festival and a Celebrity Band Saturday Night on the newly expanded
Universal CityWalk outdoor stage. Plus, Norman is destined for
the studio with Adam Marsland at the helm again. Look for a new
single soon. Norman has also become a monthly guest vocal
fixture at Adam Marsland's 70's Show at Cinema in Culver City singing the hits
of Barry Gibb.
He also publishes his music through
his own company, Mighty Ohio Music (BMI). His works has been
heard on TV shows including "Eli Stone,"
"Gossip Girl," and "Las Vegas."'
Norman ranks among his musical heroes and influences: Prince,
The Beatles, Michael Jackson, ABC/Martin Fry, Sam & Dave, James
Brown, Chic, Culture Club, Sly & The Family Stone, Duran Duran, The Rolling
Stones, Steely Dan, Bee Gees 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 is married and resides in North Hollywood.
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