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Norman
Kelsey was born on Feb 6 in Cleveland, Ohio in the age of
Aquarius. He began his musical career by singing and dancing in
his living room to "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club
Band" and Jackson 5 singles. His family finally migrated to the deep south to escape
the annual May blizzard. After being asked to perform in a high
school talent show at Terry Parker H.S. in Jacksonville, FL,
Norman decided to pursue music over a career in foreign service
(true story). One of his first gigs was at the legendary & now-defunct Einstein A Go-Go
at
Jax Beach. And in 2006, Norman was named one of his high school's
most prominent alumni (true, again).
Norman managed to graduate from Georgetown University
while afflicted with what his roommates called "Beatles on
the brain." There, he performed in a musical improv
troupe called Rebels Without Applause and honed his chops in coffee house settings singing songs by Roy Orbison, Prince and the Fab Four.
California called next, where Norman was a founder member of
several popular L.A. based groups: Idle Kings, Bat
Country and Rush Hour Soul (RHS). As lead singer of RHS,
Norman toured the UK in 2006 with barnstorming stops in York,
Barnsley, London, Sheffield, Huddersfield and one magical night
in Liverpool playing at the Cavern Club.
In 2007, Norman went solo and recorded his self-released debut CD,
"A TALENT FOR LOVING." Produced by his
mentor Adam Marsland, it dropped the first
week of 2008 to encouraging reviews. Norman's goal with the album was
to create a record with varied flavors, reminiscent of a Summer
day back when radio would spin a pop song, a funk song, a rock
song, a disco song, an R&B ballad and an anthem back-to-back-to-back
without flinching. The track "A Talent For Loving" was
recorded at Monnow Valley Studio in Monmouth, Wales. The video
for the title track available on YouTube was directed by William
Archer on location in London.
Several songs from "A TALENT FOR LOVING" made an
impact on internet and terrestrial radio, specifically the smash
hit ballad "Everything My Heart Desires." (Please see
the reviews for more) The title
track and the new single "Everything My Heart Desires"
were featured on RadioIO's Nu-Soul, WICN 91.5
FM's Soul Serenade, & BBC Radio's The
Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show.
The Norman Invasion '08 Tour took Norman to England once again. Select markets were treated to
his unique brand of sunshine funk for 4 nights in May. Included
were two dates back at the historic Cavern Club and a blazing
slot at Zebra in Maidstone, Kent.
Professionally, Norman is a voting member of the recording academy.
The past few years he has attended the GRAMMY Awards cheering on
the artists he's voted for. In
2008, for the 51st
GRAMMY Awards,
Norman was an official entrant in eight categories on the
nominating ballot.
In June 2009, Norman helped kick off Universal
CityWalk's Celebrity Summer Concert series playing before an
enthusiastic crowd of several hundred people. He also ended
the year performing a benefit for WHY's Imagine There's No Hunger campaign on
Citywalk.
Summer of 2010 was a busy time for Norman. He and his
band performed several high profile shows, including a return to
the IPO festival and a Celebrity Band Saturday Night on the newly expanded
Universal CityWalk outdoor stage.
Norman has also become a guest vocal
fixture at Adam Marsland's 70's Show at Cinema in Culver City singing the hits
of Barry Gibb, Roxy Music, et al. In January 2011, Norman was a featured vocalist in Adam
Marsland's live Elton John Tribute Show, singing leads on four of Sir
Elton's biggest hits.
In May, 2011, Norman began recording his second solo LP "SO
SOPHISTICATED" at Karma Frog studios in Reseda, CA with producer Adam Marsland once again at
the helm. Norman worked with an assortment of acclaimed musicians,
including drummers DJ Bonebrake (X) and Kevin Jarvis (Lucinda Williams, John
Wesley Harding); vocalist Evie Sands; and saxophonist Larry O. Williams (GAP
band) and trumpeter Rahmlee Davis of the Phenix Horns (Earth,
Wind & Fire). The album features ten original songs that
continue the Sunshine Funk musical journey of his first record.
Norman publishes his music through
his own company, Mighty Ohio Music (BMI). His work can be been
heard on TV shows including the Fancy Party episode from
Season 3 of "Parks & Recreation," the Season 2
series premier of "Eli Stone,"
"Gossip Girl," and "Las Vegas."'
Norman ranks among his musical heroes and influences: Prince,
Bee Gees, David Ruffin, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, ABC/Martin Fry, Sam & Dave, James
Brown, Chic, Culture Club, Sly & The Family Stone, Duran Duran,
Tom Waits, Sam Cooke, The Rolling
Stones, Steely Dan and James Carter. Not that you will ever hear
those artists in his work, necessarily.
His non-musical heroes are Jesus Christ, his grandparents Glad
& Jerry
Vail and his father Herb Kelsey. A self-confessed Mama's boy, he
dearly loves his Mom.
Norman is married and resides in North Hollywood, USA.
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