Brian Lloyd Kelly (aka "Kid Kelly") passed away peacefully on October 2, 2024 at Angel Bright Hospice in Corpus Christi Texas, in the loving presence of his beloved daughter Lyra Manaye Kelly and his very dear former wife, Kainee Bram.
Brian had only been diagnosed a few weeks earlier with a very aggressive form of esophageal cancer, which had already metastasized to his liver and lymph nodes when discovered on 9/6/24.

Born in Bethlehem, PA on 07/01/1960 to Jerrian Iva Gelbert Kelly (Gettysburg, PA) and Richard George Kelly (Allentown, PA), Brian was the firstborn of five Kelly children, making his debut in what came to be his signature style of "grand entry"  - with a tumultuous breech birth! Young Brian showed early signs of creativity - directing home movies with his siblings patterned after Star Trek, starring in roles in church musicals and plays, and adventuring in the woods around the family cabin in the Poconos, no doubt making stories to share. Brian loved going to the cabin on family vacations, fishing and swimming in Promised Land lake with siblings and cousins. And he equally loved going to the beach at the Jersey Shore, siblings in tow as they all learned to body surf - a lifelong favorite hobby which he continued until his last, healthiest days.

Brian showed musical mastery at the young age of seven, learning to play the trumpet (as did his father Richard) and the piano by the age of sixteen, heavily influenced by his grandmother Helen (Nana Kelly). Brian and his young high school friends started their own rock band while he still lived in Burlington, IA, and occasionally would play for the neighborhood by setting up on the roof of the infamous "Kelly's Korner" home at 1000 N. 5th Street. After moving to Denton, TX in December 1976, Brian continued with his love of playing trumpet in the Denton High School Band, while also pursuing rock band formation with new friends in the DFW area. Thus began his lifelong career as a local Rock Star and "Entertainer Extraordinaire!"

Brian had MANY musical accomplishments, and I am sure we are leaving some out, but we want to honor him by doing our best to acknowledge all of his hard work and dedication for his LOVE of music. One of the most prestigious and exciting accomplishments was being one of only two high school students chosen from the state of Iowa to perform trumpet in the McDonald's All American Marching Band, performing at the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade in New York. In 1976, Brian also was one of two musicians chosen to tour and play the trumpet in Europe for two weeks with the Bicentennial Band and Chorus. This 80-piece orchestra represented the United States in celebration of its 200th birthday. The orchestra played in Belgium, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, and Austria. At just seventeen years of age, Brian went on to perform keys, trumpet and vocals for Columbia - the youngest group to ever perform at the Burlington, IA, Steamboat Days Festival, as well as at The Pazazz - a local nightclub and restaurant.

In 1978, Brian performed with Dallas/Ft. Worth rock band, Obsidian Glass, performing at The Bijou, The Agora, Sneaky Pete's, and Mother Blues. In 1979, Brian performed with very popular Dallas/Ft. Worth band, The Joe City Band, which had the honor of getting their picture on the cover of Texas Monthly Magazine. From 1980-1985, Brian performed with many Dallas area bands, such as Texas Diamond, Anthem and The Pingwins, opening for major headliners such as Edgar Winter and The Beach Boys. In 1985, he performed for The Leaders Band, an Orlando, Florida-based showband. In 1986, he toured and recorded with legendary classic rock band Head East, touring all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. In 1988, Brian performed with Ricky Lynn Gregg, an original country music act, helping to land a recording contract with Liberty Records. In 1990, Brian was also able to utilize his songwriting abilities in an East Texas original band, Time 4 Play, performing for Rock Against Drugs and winning an original song competition in Shreveport, LA. In 1994, Brian toured the country, and Canada, with Dallas-based corporate showband, Vince Vance & the Valiants, performing for the White House's Easter Egg Roll and the Dallas Cowboy's Superbowl party in 1994, AT&T's corporate parties, and more. They opened for such acts as Harry Connick, Jr., Loverboy and Waylon Jennings. Brian also performed in his own two-piece act called Heavy Mellow in East Texas for several years, composing and sequencing all songs performed. In addition to Brian's many musical accomplishments he also pursued academic accolades, achieving the Golden Key National Honor Society for music with the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, where he studied music for almost four years. In Corpus Christi, Texas Brian performed in many country and rock-n-roll bands and as a solo artist over the years. And in Rockport, Texas was a church pianist and the "Piano Man" for the Key Allegro Yacht Club for several years.

But by far, Brian would say his biggest and best accomplishment in life was the birth of his daughter, Lyra. He would talk and talk to anyone, as much as they would listen, about how proud he was of her and all of her travels, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. They loved to go to the beach together and talk about music. His presence in her life will be greatly missed…
But as Brian would have it, he passed away on October 2nd - a day in which many Christians celebrate the role of guardian angels and in which gratitude is shown to God for placing these angels to care for us. Lyra will be watching for him!
Brian always worked hard to preserve special family memories with countless videotape recordings and MANY family and gig photos for us all to cherish and reminisce. In true fashion, some of Brian's last words were a joyous "I'm HERE" upon entering the Angel Bright Hospice facility (making his entrance known), followed by continual exclamations of "I am so grateful… I am just so grateful," even as the light in his eyes was dimming.

Thank you, Brian, for loving so fully with your heart and for all the love and joy you brought to so many! Your smile and beautiful musical notes will never be forgotten and we will be seeing you again. You truly lived life your "own way." And in the great words of Billy Joel - a highly influential musician in your life - we can all hear you singing, "I don't need you to worry for me because I"m alright." We love you, Brian.

Brian is preceded in death by his parents, Richard G. "Pop" Kelly (6/4/13) and Jerrian "Peep" Kelly (5/6/23)

Brian is survived by his daughter Lyra Manaye Kelly (her mom Kainee, and step-family), and by his siblings:
Timothy Paul Kelly (former wife Cindy) and children; Shannon Taylor (Chris), Darby McFall (Wes), Sean Kelly (Riley)
Jeannie Falvey (John, and son Liam)
Amanda (Amy) Kelly Stanley (Danney; daughter Hannah, son Jackson, and wife Isabelle)
Rebecca Boardman (Morry; son William, daughter Madison)

Brian was very proud of his family and "bragged on us all," in one way or another. He enjoyed each of his beloved nieces and nephews, as well as their spouses and their young children - some of whom only had the pleasure of meeting him but a few times. Children were drawn to Brian, as he was gifted and engaging with "Littles" wherever he went.

Our family will be holding a private memorial celebration on the beach on October 27, 2024 - he wanted to be celebrated and remembered with music and smiles!

***Brian had notes all around his apartment about helping others in need, so in following Brian's wishes, we think he would love to see a donation to any of the following charities of your choice, in lieu of flowers.

https://www.tlctyler.org/
(hurricane recovery via Trinity Disaster Response Ministry)

https://ccmetro.org/

https://www.specialheartsinthearts.com/