Charles Kelley

Charles Kelley is a country singer, songwriter and musician best known as a founding member of the Grammy-winning trio Lady A. Charles was born in Augusta, Georgia, and raised in a musical family. His older brother, Josh Kelley, also pursued a music career and later married actress Katherine Heigl. Charles attended the University of Georgia, where he studied finance and spent time performing music before deciding to pursue a career in the industry. After graduating in 2004, he moved to Nashville to focus on songwriting and recording.

Charles formed Lady A with Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood in 2006. The trio quickly gained attention in country music with their eponymous debut album, Lady Antebellum (2008). Their second album, Need You Now (2010), propelled them to mainstream success, with its title track, “Need You Now,” becoming a crossover smash and helping the group win multiple honors at the 2011 Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Over the years, Charles has continued recording and touring with the group, participating in releases including Heart Break (2017) and Ocean (2019). He has also branched out into a solo career with his 2016 solo album, The Driver.

The singer married Cassie McConnell in July 2009. The couple welcomed their first child, son Ward (born in 2016).