george kelly

George Kelly: The King of “The Blues” (But Not the Way You Think)

George Kelly, better known as “The King of the Blues” (though not the same “King” as the one with a crown and a guitar named Lucille), was a pioneer of a unique and hilarious musical genre that emerged in the late 19th century: “The Blues”. This wasn’t the soulful, melancholic blues you hear on the radio, but rather a satirical, observational, and often downright silly form of entertainment.

The Birth of a Genre:

The roots of “The Blues” can be traced back to minstrel shows, where white performers would wear blackface and parody African American culture. These shows, while hugely popular, were also incredibly racist and offensive. However, some performers like George Kelly began to subvert this trope, using the stage to poke fun at society’s absurdities and highlight the hypocrisy of the era.

Kelly’s brand of “The Blues” was all about witty lyrics, slapstick comedy, and a heavy dose of self-deprecation. He’d sing about everyday life, from the woes of bad weather to the frustration of dealing with difficult neighbors, all with a twinkle in his eye and a comedic flair.

The Funny Facts:

• “The King” of a Very Specific Audience: Kelly’s act was so popular he even toured Europe! Imagine the bewildered audiences when they encountered this “King of the Blues” singing about the trials of being a milkman in a tiny Irish village.
• The “Blues” of a Different Color: “The Blues” genre was later reclaimed by African American performers, who infused their own experiences and emotions into the music. This evolution led to the birth of the blues music we know and love today, a stark contrast to the light-hearted, sometimes ridiculous, “Blues” Kelly pioneered.
• The “King” on Record: Luckily, George Kelly’s “Blues” wasn’t lost to history. He recorded several albums throughout his career, and these recordings offer a glimpse into a fascinating, forgotten era of music.

Beyond the Laughs:

While “The Blues” may seem like a frivolous form of entertainment, it held a powerful message: laughter can be a weapon against injustice and absurdity. Kelly used his comedic talent to challenge societal norms and make people think, even if they were laughing along the way.

So next time you think of “The Blues,” remember George Kelly, the King of a very unique, and quite frankly, hilarious musical world.