Ray Kelley, musician, born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio surrounded by music began playing the bass guitar at the age of 12. Ray soon began playing in his local church during his teen years and excelled in music through high school and college. Ray won many music awards while developing a love for Jazz. Ray knew that music was his destiny; although Jazz was his first love, he never had a desire to play in Jazz clubs. He left Ohio and relocated to Nashville to pursue his education in music production and recording, praying that one-day he would produce and record his own music. After he graduated, he returned to Ohio, moving to Columbus, where he began to pursue professional opportunities available in the Gospel industry. Ray was one of the winner's of the 2002 "John Lennon Songwriting" contest. Keeping God first and committed to leading a Christ centered life, Ray attended and played at many churches in Columbus, until finding a home at The Word Church of God in Christ where E.T. Parker III is Pastor. Ray is the bass player and production manager. Ray thus far has played with many of Gospel music's best including, Kirk Franklin, Lamar Campbell, Rodney Posey, Dr. Leonard Scott, Dawkins & Dawkins, Marvin Sapp, Beverly Crawford, Freedom and many other's. Ray believes in family, the only child of Jerome & Veronica Newkirk, whom reside in Toledo, Ohio. Ray is married to Nina Taylor-Kelley, former radio announcer in Columbus, his wife of 2 year's. They met and became friends with back in 1999 during a radio interview. "Bass Praise" the debut CD from Ray Kelley has been in the making since 2001. " I wanted to take my time and do something that the Gospel music fans and the musician could appreciate". "Bass Praise", an instrumental jazz experience in worship. Ray is now ready to branch out on his on with his debut project, "Bass Praise", Ray Kelley is preparing to bring the art of Gospel Jazz to the mainstream Gospel audience. Ray plans to release his 2nd project this summer of 2006. Check out the latest single, "When God's Finger's Touch The Strings " and you'll become a jazz lover like so many others! Born and raised in Philadelphia, Nina Taylor Kelley is a veteran of the entertainment industry. Nina started at the age of 5 dancing and singing with her family. She is a professional actress, model, voice over talent, songwriter and musician. She has appeared in several radio and T.V. spots including commercials for the 4-H Club, The Cincinnati Police Dept., McGraw Hill, Big Bear Plus, Schottensteins Dept. Stores and more. Nina co-wrote and sang the opening theme song for a video music show in Ohio where she now lives with her husband of 2 years, bassist Ray Kelley whose current project "Bass Praise" is now playing on both Gospel and Jazz radio. Nina is 15 year radio veteran who has worked in all formats including Jazz, R&B, Light Rock, Oldies, Pop and most recently she served as Assistant Program Director and Promotions Director at a Gospel station in Ohio. As the granddaughter of a pastor and growing up in a family church, Nina already had a great love for Gospel Music. As a child Nina's mother traveled all over the country singing with the family and watching her mother sing with several Quartet groups. Nina also enjoyed the long rehearsals, falling asleep in the studio and long car rides to different churches where the family sang. She was always surrounded by music and performing. "It was normal for us". In 1999 Nina became so involved with some of the local Gospel artist by giving advice on recording, production and making referrals that she started her company "So So Blessed Entertainment" a full service Gospel Entertainment Agency. During her 15 years in radio, Nina became the station promoter and brought many outstanding Gospel artist to Ohio, then began sending artist out. "That's really how I started, after a while I had artist approaching me about being their manger, handling bookings for them and paying me for my advice". Nina is now looking forward to the success of the artist that So So Blessed Entertainment represents. Aside from booking, we also do music marketing and promotions. Some of our clients include, Chris Byrd and True Victory, Charles Woolfork & Covenant & Dr. Jeffery P. Kee. So So Blessed Entertainment has artist all over the country. (See Roster) Sylvia Benson (Columbus, Ohio) traditional, contemporary, Worship Lamar Scales (Columbus, Ohio) quartet Mr. Nathan (Columbus, Ohio) Gospel Jazz-contemporary Donald Ashley & Company (Columbus, Ohio) Gospel Jazz, hip-hop Andre Vincent & Davidic Praise (Houston, Texas) Jazz-worship-contemporary E.T. Parker & Friends (Columbus, Ohio) traditional, contemporary, worship Pamela C. Kelley (Columbus, Ohio) contemporary, worship, Jazz Louella Knighton (Syracuse, New York) traditional Rev James Hawkins (Toledo, Ohio) Youth Pastor, Motivational Speaker