Kelly Joe Phelps obituary: acclaimed slide guitar player dies at 62

Kelly Joe Phelps was a celebrated slide guitarist and singer-songwriter who played blues, country blues, folk, and Americana music.

Outstanding slide guitarist

Kelly Joe Phelps was a celebrated slide guitarist and singer-songwriter who had many fans. He started out playing jazz and then moved into blues and country blues. His 1994 debut album ‘Lead Me On’ was critically acclaimed and still receives many streams online. He released the album ‘Roll Away the Stone’ on Rykodisc in 1997 and went on to release nine more albums. In January 2013, he announced he was taking a break due to ulnar neuropathy in his right arm and hand.  

Notable Quote  

“I wanted to figure out a way to improvise like a jazz musician would, but at the same time play a style of music that was more closely linked to folk forms.”  – The Guardian  

Tributes to Kelly Joe Phelps 

This is a huge loss to the music community. Kelly Joe Phelps played for us many times at The Point and was not just a great guy, but an amazing musician https://t.co/oA0LiQmKE1

— Point Entertainment (@point_ent) June 3, 2022

Sad to hear of Kelly Joe Phelps’s passing. His beautiful music was certainly an influence and he was a kind man and generous with his time.

— Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) June 3, 2022

Put on Kelly Joe Phelps’ version of HARD TIME KILLIN’ FLOOR. Close your eyes. That’s the sound of one of a kind.

— Jeff Daniels (@Jeff_Daniels) June 3, 2022

I just heard that the great and mysterious Kelly Joe Phelps has left us. Those that saw him perform under whatever hat he wore at the time (blues slide, troubadour, jazz improv. ) saw a fearless, enigmatic musician of the absolute highest calibre. safe home Kelly Joe Phelps.

— Stephen Fearing ??? (@StephenFearing) June 3, 2022

I just read that Kelly Joe Phelps has passed away. Friend & hero, a total genius, the best gig I ever saw. Guitarist and shaman who could put a whole crowd into a trance and leave them wondering what the hell happened. Just a beautiful, magical artist. Rest in peace brother. X pic.twitter.com/PXKqJOWbxm

— John Smith (@thejohnsmith) June 2, 2022

Full Obituary: The Guardian

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