With his own Joe Kelley Blues band, he played behind Freddie King at a Texas Blues Festival that earned him raves in Rolling Stone. Billboard has also praised his wailing guitar, and Joe was the sole subject of Chapter 36 in the Illinois Entertainer's series on the history of Chicago rock.

Obviously such accolades do not come lightly. Since falling in love with blues at age 12, Joe has developed and honed his abilities, playing with some of the greatest bluesmen in the world on the highly competitive local scene. Sam Lay and Otis Spann, along with Eddie Taylor, were members of bands that Joe put together. He has also played with Junior Wells, Sunnyland Slim, Jimmy Rodgers, Otis Rush, Mighty Joe Young, among others.

"Joe is fantastic ! A real down-to-earth guitar player, just super !" - Koko Taylor

"Joe Kelley is one of the most energetic and powerful blues guitarists on today's blues circuit" - Eddy Clearwater

"Brilliant ! " - Rolling Stone

"A consummate musician" - Illinois Entertainer