Meet Kelly Richey | Musician, Performer & Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Richey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?

People often ask why I chose the life of an artist, and my answer is always the same—I didn’t choose it; it chose me. Being an artist is at the core of who I am, offering me the freedom to pursue my dreams and navigate life’s journey.

Growing up in a strict Southern Baptist community, I wrestled with my identity amidst the challenges of dyslexia and ADHD. Although I played piano and drums, it wasn’t until I was handed my first guitar at age 15 that a fire was truly lit within me. When my first guitar teacher told me, “Girls don’t play guitar,” I knew I had to work hard and never back down to be taken seriously—a lesson that has stayed with me ever since.

Sustaining a career as an artist requires an insatiable hunger for learning and exploration, a willingness to take risks, and an ability to face reality. As a teenager, I found my identity through music, an identity that would carry me until I was ready to discover who I was behind the guitar. But it was through writing that I truly found myself. Writing provided me with a steady stream of personal reflection and solace from the constant demands of performing, touring, teaching, and recording.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that life and art are not about winning; they are about honoring what inspires me to create while remaining true to myself. Dreams rarely unfold as imagined, but my curiosity and determination have driven every career reinvention, allowing me to grow and evolve continuously.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

Being a female lead guitarist immediately set me apart, leading to an invitation to join a band signed to a major label. After a successful career with multiple bands, I craved more creative control and struck out on my own, forming the Kelly Richey Band. This blues-rock power trio, often compared to guitar icons like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix, combined with Janis Joplin-style vocals, allowed me to fully express my musical vision.

However, the life of an independent artist is not for the faint of heart. It demands resilience, determination, and consistency. Building connections, establishing your brand, and developing your business skills are critical. The relentless stress of touring can easily lead to self-destructive habits, a trap I fell into until I decided to change course in 2010. Getting sober, I committed myself to healing and introspection, realizing that my identity was not solely tied to my guitar or my career.

After producing sixteen albums and playing over 4,000 shows, I retired from touring and found new ways to channel my passion. While best known for music, I also embarked on a parallel journey in the healing arts over a decade ago. I became a certified True Purpose Coach and Dream Coach, a Writing Facilitator for Women Writing for (a) Change, and a Wellness Coach. I now teach a proprietary six-part writing series based on my life experiences, guiding students on a healing journey to discover their own sense of purpose and self-worth.

My musical journey has also evolved, and I’ve embraced the handpan as my primary musical modality. This meditative instrument has reignited my love for music and inspired a new phase of self-reinvention. I continue to coach and teach guitar and handpan in person and via Zoom. I also collaborate with other healers, locally and globally, performing at yoga classes, wellness retreats, conferences, and mental health programs, including the Cincinnati Arts Association’s Healing Arts Program.

Music is a gift with the power to heal. I have given my all to my art and hope to inspire others to do the same, proving that following your passions is what life is all about.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Cincinnati is a city that offers something for everyone. My friends come from all walks of life—some I’ve grown up with, others I’ve played music with, taught, met through writing circles, or connected with during trainings. When friends visit, I tailor each visit with activities I know they’ll love.

The Cincinnati Art Museum and the Contemporary Arts Center are must-sees for art lovers. Spring Grove Cemetery is a beautiful place to walk or take photos if the weather is good. One of my favorite lunch spots is Ruth’s Parkside Cafe, followed by a short stroll to Sidewinder Coffee in Northside for a perfect cup of coffee. Closer to home, I love spending time in downtown Milford. Over the years, it has become one of my favorite places, with Main Street boasting Harvest Market—a great spot for coffee and a healthy bite—alongside various shops and restaurants.

No visit would be complete without stopping by my studio, nestled in a beautifully wooded area with large windows and a serene view. Here, we can share my handpan collection and spend time talking.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my dear friend, Tami White, a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner and yoga instructor. I met Tami and her husband, Chris, six years ago when I downsized and needed a temporary home for my dog, Moonshine. Since then, Tami and I have become close friends, and she has been one of my greatest supporters ever since.

In 2017, Tami and I combined our expertise to start a wellness business, Self Care Providers. We offer wellness programs for corporations, organizations, communities, and individuals. Our programs range from one-hour sessions to full weekend retreats, and we bring 40 years of combined experience in healthcare, personal development, and spiritual healing.

In late 2019, Tami gifted me tickets to see a handpan player for my birthday, introducing me to an instrument that would change the course of my career. During COVID, we began broadcasting an online chair yoga class for seniors and Nurse Practitioners from my video and recording studio, a program we continue to deliver weekly.

Tami has been an unexpected gift in my life. Over the past seven years, I’ve watched her give tirelessly to others in the Cincinnati community, and I am deeply grateful for her friendship and support.

Website: https://kellyrichey.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aboutkellyrichey

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyrichey/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KellyRichey

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aboutkellyrichey/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=5tfOJgPXgy7gbGK06H3g9g

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNIDdmQB3tDWgCFhd8DLbtA

Other: https://music.kellyrichey.com https://guitarlessonsbykellyrichey.com https://handpanlessonsbykellyrichey.com

Image Credits
Jeff Shiflett