Biography

As a child she had to have music to accompany her every move. Even as a toddler she was content just sitting next to the radio, listening. Always singing, always listening, Kelley Lennon fed her soul.

Born Kelley Lennon Schimmel in Boston, Massachusetts, Kelley moved to her current residence of Cumberland, Rhode Island, at the age of eight where she began singing in her church choir. She sang there for ten years, and during middle school and high school sang for a number of choruses and specialized singing groups. While in high school she began formal training and by the time she entered Rhode Island College as a performance major, Kelley’s pastime had grown into a full-fledged passion. Pursuing music as a career seemed the natural path to follow.

During college, Kelley served as the opening act for local performers before beginning to do shows of her own. Performing to sold-out crowds and attracting considerable attention in the New England area, Kelley’s wit and banter, along with a warm and genuine personality, made her a crowd favorite. With an extensive repertoire consisting of popular music, Broadway’s best, classic Jazz tunes, and unforgettable Standards, Kelley charms audiences of all ages. To expand her musical experience, Kelley became the lead singer of a Top 40 band, performed in numerous plays and musicals, and developed her own production company, KLS Productions, all while still attaining Dean’s List every semester at Rhode Island College. She graduated from college magna cum laude, in May 2001.

Kelley’s career started to escalate to a different level when she began opening for National Acts such as the legendary Herb Reed and the Platters, The Rascals, and Kings Row. In addition she has performed the National Anthem at the Fleet Center for the Boston Celtics, as well as at the Pilot Pen International Tennis Finals. Kelley’s most celebrated accomplishment was her success on Ed McMahon’s online Star Search competition called, NextBigStar.com. Kelley won first place in this nationwide contest in the Pop/Female Vocalist category in Orlando, Florida, in July of 2000. As a result of her winnings, Kelley recorded her first original song, Anymore Goodbyes, at Sony Studios in New York City. This song was then used on the soundtrack for an independent film called, “Serial Intentions.” Shortly after that, Kelley was asked by the Farrelly Brothers to appear as an extra in their movie, “Shallow Hal.”

In April of 2003, Kelley was chosen to be a featured singer at the New York International Music Festival, where she performed at Madison Square Garden and Le Bar Bat in New York City. In 2003, Kelley was selected to be in the contestant pool for CBS’ Star Search in Hollywood, CA. That same year, Kelley was a featured vocalist for a showcase sponsored by Talent in Motion Magazine. The showcase was held at B.B. King’s in New York City and in September, the magazine published an article spotlighting Kelley’s talents.

In February 2004, Kelley made her theatrical concert debut at the prestigious Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket, RI. Backed by a talented 6-piece jazz band, Kelley wowed the audience with her jazzy interpretations of classic Standards, bringing a show that is still being talked about today. A newspaper review of that career defining concert published the following, “I have always loved those magical moments you just don’t hear anymore—you know when the beautiful girl stands in the spotlight and sings the perfect song. And you know it’s perfect because you can hear a pin drop as the entire audience hangs on her every lovely note and just melts…that is what an evening with Kelley Lennon is like…” Kelley returned to the Stadium Theatre for an encore performance February 5, 2005, and most recently moved her show to The Oprheum Theatre in Foxborough, MA in June of 2005. In April 2005,Kelley returned from New York City where she performed at the prestigious Rainbow Room as part of a campaign called, Providence Night & Day, an effort to promote tourism to the city.

In April of 2006, Kelley beat out 400 contestants to be selected to perform the National Anthem at Fenway Park for the Boston Red Sox. As a loyal fan, this was such an honor for Kelley. Most recently, she and her Jazz band headlined the Verizon Jazz Stage at Providence’s Waterfire playing to one of the largest crowds they have seen. In July, Kelley and her band completed their 4th sold out show at Chan’s as part of their prestigious Egg Rolls and Jazz Series.

Currently, Kelley performs regularly at area clubs, lounges, and restaurants, as well continuing to do her own concerts, and benefits/fundraisers. She works during the day in the Marketing Department of a local credit union, while still devoting every spare moment to furthering her musical career. Her incredible work ethic and focus, combined with 100% heart, are what drive Kelley to dedicate herself to the one thing she truly loves.

Like she did years before, Kelley is still always singing, always listening. No doubt, Kelley Lennon is a name you too will soon be listening for.