One of the first things you may notice about me when you meet me is that I am a “no excuses” kind of guy. The older, and hopefully wiser, I get I’m finding that issues or problems we face are not as big as they appear. We get so caught up in the details that we lose focus of what the problem really is. I have used this philosophy most of my life. I make no excuses. “I don’t have time”, “I can’t afford it”, or “I’m not talented enough” have never been a part of my vocabulary. I love to multitask and I love variety. That is probably why I wear so many hats.
I love to create. As a musician, I have written hundreds of songs. As an author, I just finished my first book (“In God We Trust”) and have 2 others in the works. I have been a part of several start-up companies, most notably, Virtual Domains & Servers, Inc (http://www.VDomains.com) in which I am still the President and CEO. I have had a hand in every aspect of the business including anything from programming the website, setting up the servers, and designing and maintaining the databases to search engine optimization (SEO). I continue to offer my services as a computer consultant.
A stock market investor I am not but I do find real estate very exciting. I have bought, sold and managed numerous properties. My favorite part of real estate is buying and then selling. I guess it’s much like buying a boat. They say the best 2 days you own a boat is the day you buy it and the day you sell it. Buying a house is just like anything else. You think you need it and that it will bring you true happiness… completion… fulfillment. But then you get it and the challenge is over. Next thing you know it’s the “big let down”. Yeah, if it’s a rental property you have that challenge of finding good renters and all those other good landlord duties to look forward to but the adrenaline rush is over. On the upside, selling a house is much the same and most of the time better for me. It’s an ending. Hopefully, it’s a sweet ending with a nice profit. And with every ending a new beginning is right around the corner; a new chapter in life; an opportunity for something fresh and exciting. Maybe a new rental investment or a new business or maybe it’s just time to pay some bills. Life is exciting and I enjoy every minute.
For as long as I can remember I have been a very spiritual person. I have no doubt that the more you grow spiritually the less you will need from this world. I am also a firm believer in action. If you want to see change you need to take the first step. Break the mental barrier and as Nike® says, “Just do it”. The old saying goes “they didn’t build Rome in a day”. How true! It takes many small steps to get to our final destination. A little here and there gets the job done. I was reluctant to join the worship team at my church even though God had been training me for it all my life. Finally, with persistence from the church staff I gave it a go. I am eternally grateful for the extra push. It is such a thrilling and satisfying feeling to be God’s hands and feet. Little did I know how much my life would be affected by offering service to others. I regularly lead worship and feel a great responsibility and honor that God has chosen me to do so.
Artist Information
Biography
Craig Kelley’s latest release, Back in the Fold, is full of new beginnings and a majestic end. Hailing as 3-time and reigning Central PA Guitar War’s champion, Kelley has been featured in the international Guitar World magazine, led his band in winning several Battle of the Band competitions and logged over 500 performances in his young career. With four CD releases under his belt, Craig deems his latest as having the greatest impact, on others as well as himself.
“This CD has really transformed me from the inside out. I was out there searching… Seeking answers, Truth, for the way I should live my life. Life was hard. I couldn’t make it on my own. There had to be something more. And it was in a still small voice that I heard the answer. It was like a huge burden had been lifted. I was the lost sheep in Matthew 18:12 and God carried me home. Not only did He carry me home but when we got there He threw a party for me in celebration! How awesome!” – Craig
If you read the liner notes for ‘Back in the Fold’ you will notice that Craig used many musicians from all over the world. Including some from as far away as Tel Aviv, Israel.
“To be honest, I was shocked to learn that these guys were in Israel. They had a California telephone number. It was another lesson in life for me. Music is truly universal. It crosses language barriers. All the musicians on this CD did a fabulous job and I am extremely grateful.” – Craig
The result is an edgy rock album with nicely textured acoustic guitars and keys. Kelley’s powerful vocals fluidly deliver a message of faith, hope and love. The message is clear and is intended for all audiences.
“God cares for you deeply and will never leave you. He wants to carry you home and celebrate. Faith starts with the first step.” – Craig
Similar Artists
Casting Crowns
Jeremy Camp
Third Day
Live Instrumentation
Craig Kelley – Vocals/Guitars
Matt Middleton – Guitars/Vocals
Brad Bell – Keys/Vocals
Stu Kavolis/Ted Frengel – Bass/Vocals
Annie Strite – Backup Vocals, perc
Keith Colestock – Drums
Discography
Back in the Fold (2008)
All of my Heart (2005) EP
Tried & True (1999)
Still Searchin’ (1997)
Craig Kelley (1995)
Inside Out (1993) EP
