Born in Dublin, Sally came into show business the hard way, starting
in panto at Omah at the age of 14. Shortly afterwards she won a holiday camp
talent contest and as a result joined a road show. She toured as a singer with the
show for more than two years in both Ireland and England.
When the rock’n’roll craze hit teenagers, Sally formed her
own all girls skiffle group “The Jeanagers”. The group worked northern towns for
more than a year before breaking up.
Sally headed for Soho, the night clubs and solo singing
spots. She entered for commercial T.V.’s “Find The Singer” contest and won her
area heat. Larry Parnes one of the judges on that occasion, immediately signed
Sally on a long-term contract.4 foot 6 inch Sandy Kelly made her debut on 21
June 1959 at the Liverpool Empire. It was rumoured that Sally was introduced to
Larry by the controversial journalist Nancy Spain. They would hang out at
Larry's, and Foster's Agency supremo Hymie Zahl's, Golden Guitar Club in Soho.
Although Sally, who was nicknamed Miss Rock ‘n’ Roll, was
included in many of Parnes' one-nighter package shows, she didn't figure in
many of the downtime activities enjoyed by most of the guys.
Sally and her roadie/partner often made their own transport
arrangements so subsequently she wasn't part of the Parnes stable as many saw
it. Larry saw her as a Brenda Lee style performer but Sally's vocal prowess
couldn't be compared to Brenda's.
She sang regularly with all the other artistes in both Larry
Parnes’ touring shows “The Marty Wilde Show” and “The Big Beat Show”.
Her recordings sadly did not reach the British charts, she didn’t release an album, but she did manage to release two singles on the Decca label, Little Cutie/ Come Back To Me (1959) & He'll Have To Stay/ Honey, That's Alright (1960) & she also recorded 'Believe
in the Rain´& ´So much in
love.' She then resurfaced for one
additional recording in late 1971.
After which her trail goes cold! Information from YouTube comments
state that after her contract ended with Parnes, Sally continued singing in
pubs and clubs for many years. She now resides in Spain with her daughter.
Any other information regarding Sally Kelly will be greatly
appreciated.
(Compiled and edited from The Marty Wilde Big
Beat programme notes (1959), Tapatalk.com forum and bittersuiteband.com)
