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Kelly Joe Phelps Obituary
We invite you to share condolences for Kelly Joe Phelps in our Guest Book.
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Memories and Condolences
for Kelly Joe Phelps
21 Entries
Jay Clark
March 16, 2025
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 tiny 200 seat Cairns Thanks Art Centre. Stunning, mesmerising and spiritually gratifying is all I can say. Ten years again and he was gone from us...though I only heard the news today. To anyone of his family or friends, I hope his days in Iowa were peaceful and take comfort that millions of folks just like me are still loving his spirit, his music and the memories he conjured through his talent. God bless
Todd Lavigne
February 22, 2025
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 played my guitar and then asked me” is this the new sound board by Taylor’? Yes I said, I’ll never forget him or his music.. Todd lavigne @
Jeff MacGuinness
August 13, 2024
I have almost every CD that Kelly ever did. I love his music and it lives on. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Steve Gerling
July 11, 2024
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.
Keith Josselyn
April 3, 2024
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, Kelly.
Lyndsay Bloomberg
November 3, 2023
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.
Effie Myrick
August 3, 2023
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
Ken Galka
December 7, 2022
Thank you for your amazing talent. Rest In Peace.
A guitar player
September 2, 2022
Thank you for your inspiration ,Rest in peace
Jeff H
July 19, 2022
So sad to hear of Kelly Joe Phelps' passing. His music was so deeply soulful and beautiful. His eloquent lap-style guitar playing could bring a tear to my eye. Rest in Peace.
July 6, 2022
Kelly it was great to know you a little bit.
Astonishing lap/slide player and supremely inventive on the six string.
You have left a unique legacy.
James Daigh
June 16, 2022
My condolences, comfort and peace to the family.
June 9, 2022
My condolences.
TD
June 8, 2022
My sincere condolences to the Phelps family. May the God of all comfort provide you all the strength to cope with your loss
Joe Fitzpatrick
June 7, 2022
His voice and his music continue to touch me deeply. He had a great great gift and I'm so thankful for his time in this world
William
June 6, 2022
You are on my heart and in my prayers.
June 5, 2022
An amazingly talented musician, singer and songwriter. So saddened to hear of his passing. Prayers for the Phelps family, so very sorry for your loss.
June 4, 2022
Our deepest condolences to family. We pray that God continues to strengthen and comfort the family during this difficult period.
Greg Williams
June 4, 2022
Kelly's slide guitar skills reminds me of Barry Sless'
( Moonalice ) slide guitar skills, and that is amazing .
RIP KJP , you're on that magical slide now
Jeanette Howlett
June 4, 2022
I first saw Kelly Joe Phelps as a 'foyer' performer at the Burnley Blues festival in 1993. I'd just relocated to Manchester and had little money so I didn't expect too much of the 'free' acts my lack of wealth restricted me to seeing. I was completely blown away by Kelly Joe and became an immediate fan. I bought several of his CDs when I could afford them and paid to see him in larger venues. I did a sad double take of the news of his death. It doesn't seem possible. Thanks so much Kelly Joe for your wonderful music and the very special 'free gift' I cherish.
ANTONIO RODRIGUEZIII
June 3, 2022
Love that man's singing voice and playing style, truly saddened by his passing. May he rest well and in peace. a.
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
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