From The Wyoming Valley Observer - July 2, 1978

Jerry-Kelly Band Prepares For Tour

By Joe Middleton

Bill Kelly and Jerry Hludzik will leave north-eastern Pennsylvania tomorrow for Los Angeles to start forming a backup band for their forthcoming tour.

Known professionally as The Jerry-Kelly Band, the two regional natives, Bill Kelly from West Wyoming and Jerry Hludzik from Freeland, were the initial act signed to the newly formed Skid Row Productions, Inc. The production company is owned jointly by Danny Seraphine of Chicago and David “Hawk” Wolinski of Rufus.

Back in December of last year, the two famed musicians traveled to Pottsville where The Jerry-Kelly Band was performing at The Alley and inked them to their contract after sitting in on a set with them.

In February, Kelly and Hludzik left Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport for the West Coast and began recording their debut album, “Somebody Else’s Dream,” due for release on the CBS owned Epic label on August 1^st. 

During their two month stay in L.A, they recorded at The Record Plant and were supported on their sessions by numerous well know figures in the rock world, including members of Chicago.

One night, they were looking for special amps and Danny brought them to the home of Joe Walsh. He lent them the equipment and with other members of The Eagles dropped by the studio.

On August 15^th, The Jerry-Kelly Band will embark on their first major tour. Beginning on that date, they’ll serve as the opening act for Chicago on an itinerary that includes dates in Michigan at Pine Knob, a week in Central Park, The Mississippi River Festival and, good news for area fans, a two-day stint at The Allentown Fair, August 25^th and 26^th.

Recently we sat and talked with Billy Kelly about his career. After seeing the excitement caused when The Beatles came out, Kelly decided he had to get into a band. So, at around the age of 14, he joined a group that eventually became The Buoys.

Kelly, with The Buoys, had a few good years and a few bad years. He spoke of the years of frustration. Often times, he said, you’ll write a great song, and the audience doesn’t applaud or hear it as you do. It’s like a slap in the face is how he described the feeling.

The most important thing to happen to him and Jerry, Bill told me, was when The Buoys had the national hit, “Timothy.” He says that was like giving a kid his first taste of sugar. Then, everything fell apart and that took the sugar away. Bill said that it freaked him and Jerry out as well as the whole band.

Fortunately for Bill and Jerry, they bounced back. And, that taste of success probably proved to be the thing that kept them going. They didn’t ever want to let go; they had to get that candy back.

Bill and Jerry did what they had to do. And, Bill stated, that’s no reflection on the other guys, “it just didn’t mean as much to them as us.”

Bill further stated to me that he and Jerry hope that by their mistakes and the things they’ve learned, they can help other people. He states there are so many talented people in this area, it’s a sin.

Spending two and a half months in L.A., Bill told us they didn’t see one good band play. The bands out there are terrible, he says, because being in a band is not the thing out there. Being a hot studio musician is. So, the musicians are much better than here, but the bands in Wilkes-Barre—Scranton are better.

Bill commented on the attitude people in this region have on the music business. He says people around here should realize that success in the music business is not just a dream.

“Like my parents thought I was a dreamer for years,” Bill stated, and he said, “I’m sure the neighbors, at this point, think I’m a 27-year old kid who doesn’t want to grow up. They don’t take the music seriously, especially rock; consequently, they don’t take me seriously.”

We mentioned the bit most persons involved with music hear about getting a normal job. Again, Bill spoke out, citing that music pays good money. And, other than the money, it’s very rewarding from an artistic level. “It’s great for your ego to stand on stage and hear hundreds applauding you or walk down the street and be recognized. Plus, it’s a lot of fun.”

Bill further went on saying it’s a job and no more a dream than someone going to school in Wilkes-Barre, graduating, getting a job as a law clerk, and after 10 years, becoming a hot-shot attorney pulling down $120,000 a year.

An incredible amount of money can be made in the music business. An album that is a modest success for a group with a good contract could make each member a quarter of a million dollars a year.

R.E.O. Speedwagon, for instance, has had two gold albums and how many people really know of them. Bill states that one gold album makes everybody in the band financially independent for 10 years and a second makes it very comfortable for them. Plus, they have six other albums in their catalog that are selling, so you know those guys are worth some money.

The advise Bill would give to local groups that want to be successful is to learn by finding out where things are happening, write what the public wants to hear, and keep playing while being very persistent.

Bill and Jerry were strong enough to stick to their goal and now it has paid off for them. The only part luck plays, according to Bill, is when the record is released. And before that can happen, a group must be under contract and involved with the right concerns to assure proper direction and management.

The Jerry-Kelly Band have unbelievable potential. No other act from northeastern Pennsylvania, not even The Buoys, have been afforded such an opportunity.

Produced by Danny Seraphine and Hawk Wolinski, on Epic Records, and managed by Jeff Wald, look for “Somebody Else’s Dream” not to be a dream come true for Bill Kelly and Jerry Hludzik, but the fruition of long hard work in addition to establishing a solid reputation on the national scene for them.