John McKelvy made his debut to bluegrass & old time fans as the high lonesome vocalist, guitarist and songwriter for the hillbilly gothic pioneers, The Earl Brothers. Since announcing his departure from the band in 2007, John has become a notable solo artist continuing on with his bi-polar songs of heartache, joy & despair.
Born and raised in central Florida, John was exposed to bluegrass and old time country music by his Tennessee born grandparents. With an equal passion for punk, alternative and rock music, he formed his first band at 16 and through the years has crafted a distinct sound that can be described as edgy, moody and just plain mournful.
Having performed all over the United States, Canada and the U.K., John has shared the stage & opened for many of today's brightest stars including Junior Brown, Sam Bush, Tim O'Brien, Peter Rowan, Uncle Earl, The Wilders and many more. His songs may give you goosebumps, make you cry or go drab a drink. Whatever the effect, you won't forget him once you've heard him.
"Ticklin' The Strings" by Sweet Hollywaiians
Amazing Japanese hot string band playing 1920's, 30's, 40's style hawaiian, swing, calypso, blues, italian music and originals,featuring vintage instruments.3 songs with Robert Armstrong and Tony Marcus(from Robert Crumb and His Cheap Suit Serenaders)
"The Sweet Hollywaiians have probably the best feel for this 20's music of any string band working today. They manage the rare feat of sounding relaxed even when their playing is hot, are top notch musicians with tasteful arrangements and a full, rich, warm sound.Plus, they have a nice gamut of tunes, from King Nawahi to Giovanni Vicari to Bobby Leecan. See them live, if you can, for an unforgettable experience. If you can't, buy their Cds!" ~ Terry Zwigoff
hey pal,long time now--i still am thinking i wanna bring Honey Don't to SF...or sss...whatever will get us there...wondering if you've been writing or what..wish we could grab a beer..
New CD: RIPE - THE DIXIE BEE-LINERS' highly anticipated sophomore release, produced by Bil VornDick (Bob Dylan, Alison Krauss, Ralph Stanley) for Pinecastle Records, featuring the #1 single "Down on The Crooked Road."
hey man! how ya been lately? haven't heard from ya in awhile, just checking in with ya. btw, i love your songs you have on here! that darling nellie is awesome and i think its great to hear ya doing it in the vern williams tradition. do you have any of this available? i'd love a copy of whatever you guys have for my radio show. well, holler back. hope to see ya soon buddy. alex
"I'm not a guitar picker..." Um, yeah...OK...sure...ha! C'mon, man, thats just funny. Sounds great, man, really. Just incredible to hear you again and nice talkin again as well. Keep on it!
Hey Man. Greetings from East Tn. Wish you were here. I hope you are well. I like the new stuff you got on your page. You sound great as always! Your Good-n-Country friend McGill
