Scottish guitarist and founding member of Deacon Blue, known for his soulful, melodic playing style and contributions to the band's hit songs like "Real Gone Kid" and "Wages Day".
Graeme Kelling, a Scottish musician, is best known as the original guitarist of the Scottish pop band Deacon Blue. With his contributions to the band's early success, Kelling played a significant role in shaping Deacon Blue's sound and identity.
Born on April 4, 1957, in Paisley, Scotland, Kelling grew up in Mount Vernon, Glasgow, and was educated at the High School of Glasgow. Raised in the Plymouth Brethren sect, Kelling broke away from the religious group to pursue his love for music and travel.
In the early 1980s, Kelling immersed himself in the Glasgow rock music scene, playing as a band member with Tune Cookies, On a Clear Day, Precious, and The Painted Word, as well as working as a session guitarist. This experience laid the groundwork for his future success with Deacon Blue.
In 1984, Kelling joined Deacon Blue, then known as Dr. Love, and went on to co-write the band's 1987 single "Loaded" and the B-side "Ronnie Spector". He played on the band's first four albums, including Raintown, When the World Knows Your Name, Fellow Hoodlums, and Whatever You Say, Say Nothing, before the band's first split in 1994.
Following his initial departure from Deacon Blue, Kelling ran a recording studio and wrote soundtrack and incidental music for film and television. He also explored his passion for writing, contributing restaurant reviews to The List and travel writing to Scotland the Best, Peter Irvine's guidebook.
In May 1999, Kelling rejoined Deacon Blue and, despite being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2000, continued working with the band for the next five years. During this time, he contributed to the albums Walking Back Home and Homesick.
Graeme Kelling passed away on June 10, 2004, at the age of 47, leaving behind his wife, television producer Julie Smith, and two children, Alexander and Grace. Kelling's contributions to Deacon Blue's sound and legacy continue to be celebrated by fans and fellow musicians alike.
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