Tori Kelly

Thesis

Tori Kelly is an immensely talented artist, musician, and music producer that deserves more recognition and popularity in the music industry. 

Origin

Born on December 14th, 1992,  Victoria Loren Kelly is the daughter of Alwyn Kelly and Laura Kelly. Raised in Wildomar, California, Kelly is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer.  Due to the various cultures within her family- her father is Jamaican/Puerto Rican and her mother is Irish/German- Kelly was exposed to a wide variety of music from a very young age. Ultimately leading to an increased interest in writing and producing music. After gaining popularity as a semi-finalist on the ninth season of American Idol, Kelly went on to independently release her self-produced debut EP Handmade Songs. After this release, celebrity manager Scooter Braun signed Kelly to Capital Records, the label on which she released her debut studio album Unbreakable Smile. This album peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 chart, and marked a shift in Kelly’s musical career. 

Discography

 

As of April 2019, Tori Kelly  has released two studio albums, two EP’s, eleven singles, and one featured single. 

 

  • Unbreakable Smile
    • First studio album on Capital Records
    • Released on June 23, 2015
    • Certified Platinum 
    • Peaked at #2 on the US Billboard chart 
    • A pop album with R&B influences
  • Hiding Place
    • Second studio album on Capital Records
    • Released on September 14, 2018
    • Won a grammy for Best Gospel Album at the 61st Grammys 
    • Peaked at #35 on the US Billboard chart 
    • A gospel album with R&B and jazz influences
  • Handmade Songs
    • Produced, written, and mixed by Tori Kelly 
    • Released on May 1, 2012
    • Peaked at #9 on the US Billboard chart 
    • A pop album with R&B and soul influences
  • Foreword
    • First EP on Capital Records 
    • Released on October 22, 2013
    • Peaked at #16 on the US Billboard chart 
    • A pop album with R&B and soul influences

Influences

  • Crystal Lewis
    • An American contemporary Christian and gospel vocalist, and songwriter
    • Hits include Lord I Believe In you and People Get Ready…Jesus is Comin’
  • Stacie Orrico
    • An American pop, contemporary gospel, and contemporary R&B artist 
    • Hits include Im Not Missing You and Stuck 
  • Rachael Lampa
    • An American contemporary Christian singer, songwriter and record producer
    • Hits include Savior Song and No Greater Love 
  • Out of Eden
    • An American R&B and contemporary Christian music group 
    • Hits include Every Move I Make and Window 
  • Jeff Buckley
    •  An American singer, songwriter and guitarist.
    • Hits include Hallelujah and Last Goodbye 

What type of music does Tori Kelly make? What Instruments does she play?

Influenced by a wide variety of musicians and songwriters, Tori Kelly primarily makes both Gospel and R&B/Soul influenced pop music. In fact, this can be seen in both her EP’s and studio albums. Nonetheless,  in terms of musical instruments, Tori plays the guitar, bass, piano, drums, and keyboard. Through both her music style/genre and musical ability it is evident that Tori is a talented musician and artist. 

Awards and Nominations


As of May 2019, Tori Kelly has received 25 nominations and won 7 awards. Below is a list of some of these awards. 

Nominations 

  • MTV Europe Music Awards Best New Act – 2015 
  • MTV Europe Music Awards Best Push Act – 2015 
  • MTV Europe Music Awards Artist on the Rise – 2015
  • Glamour Awards International Musician/Solo Artist – 2016
  • People’s Choice Awards Favorite Breakout Artist – 2016
  • Grammy Awards Best New Artist – 2016
  • GMA Dove Awards Song of the Year – 2016
  • Radio Disney Music Awards Best Crush Song – 2016 
  • Radio Disney Music Awards Country Favorite Song – 2018 
  • SOUL Train Awards Best Gospel/Inspirational Award – 2018 
  • NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album – 2019 
  • NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Song – 2019 

Wins 

  • Billboard Women in Music Breakthrough Artist – 2015
  • Billboard Women in Music Breakthrough Artist – 2015
  • Radio Disney Music Awards Breakout Artist of the Year – 2016 
  • BET Dr.Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational – 2018 
  • GMA Dove Awards Short Form Video of the Year – 2018 
  • Grammy Awards Best Gospel Album  – 2019 
  • Grammy Awards Best Gospel Performance/Song – 2019 

Conclusion

In closing, Tori Kelly is an immensely talented artist, musician, and music producer that deserves more recognition and popularity in the music industry. Furthermore, as she continues to release music a new crowd of listeners that enjoy R&B/Soul infused music will increase her popularity in the music industry.  

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