Kelly Joe Phelps

Kelly came to me at a Jack Johnson concert on the Gold Coast Australia about 2002. I met a Kiwi guy in the queue and afterwards we went back to his unit to eat chili and share music. He gave me Sky Luke A Broken Clock as a gift...and man what a gift. I grew up in Oregon and was always an avid blues man. Kelly's soulful growls and sweet notes suit my voice, and I mastered every track in about 2 months. Ten years later I was blessed to have him visit Cairns in Far North Qld where he played the...

Years ago when I lived in Hollywood Beach Florida, I heard Kelly was playing at the Bamboo Room in West Palm Beach for two nights. I went and while I was seated at the bar, suddenly Kelly was standing next to me; shocked I introduced myself to him and asked if I brought my 914 Taylor acoustic guitar up tomorrow night ,if he’d play it? He said “ during the gig’? After if you would I said to him, he said sure. The next night ,after another wonderful night of watching and listening to him, Kelly...

I have almost every CD that Kelly ever did. I love his music and it lives on. So sorry to hear of his passing.

The first time I heard Kelly Joe (Shine Eyed Mr. Zen) on a local station he simply took my breath away. Actually had to pull the car over to the side of the road to listen. Broke my heart a few minutes ago to read of his passing two years ago. RIP, Kelly Joe.

I arrived in Portland, Oregon in December of 93. I had left Boston 4 days earlier and was so very happy to be done with what turned into an epic train ride. Getting into town we went to the Laurelthirst Pub on Glisan and there was this guy playing lap-slide guitar and stomping an old wine box. I fell in love with Kelly Joe and his music that day. What an amazing musician, artist and human. I am so late to hearing he has passed on and just can't wrap my head around it. What a great loss. RIP,...

I've been thinking about you a lot lately, Uncle Kelly. My mom still plays your music almost daily. This past summer, I went up to Sumner, and I visited Grandma Marie and Grandpa Merton's grave, and I thought of you. It's been over a year since you've passed, and we miss you very much. I love you dearly.

Two weeks ago my father passed away. When I left hospice. I pulled up Spotify and at random it played " Jesus take care of my dying bed" Through tears my heart swelled. Must have hit repeat 40 times. Thank you Lord and Kelly Joe for an amazing song that brought comfort through tears. Rest in peace Kelly

Thank you for your amazing talent. Rest In Peace.

Thank you for your inspiration ,Rest in peace