Brian Kelley Biography: Brian Edward Kelley born August 26, 1985 is an American musician best known as one half of the Nashville-based country duo Florida Georgia Line. A native of Ormond Beach, Florida, Kelley grew up with a passion for both sports and music. He later moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University, where he played baseball and met Tyler Hubbard, his future bandmate.
Brian Kelley Biography
Brian Edward Kelley is an American musician best known as one half of the Nashville-based country duo Florida Georgia Line. Originally from Ormond Beach, Florida, Kelley grew up with a strong passion for both sports and music. He moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University, where he played baseball and met Tyler Hubbard. The two quickly formed a close friendship, bonding over their love of songwriting and guitar.
Brian Kelley Biography 2025 Details
| Birth name | Brian Edward Kelley |
|---|---|
| Born | August 26, 1985 |
| Origin | Ormond Beach, Florida, U.S. |
| Genres | Country |
| Instruments |
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| Labels |
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| Formerly of | Florida Georgia Line |
| Spouse |
Brittney Cole
(m. 2013) |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Brian Kelley
Brian Edward Kelley is an American musician, best known as a member of the Nashville-based duo Florida Georgia Line. Kelley is from Ormond Beach, Florida, and enjoyed playing sports and music growing up.
Brian Kelley Achievements
They began performing at writers rounds across Nashville, honing their sound and building a following. Kelley and Hubbard decided to pursue music professionally, playing shows throughout the southern United States. The following year, they independently recorded and released their debut EP, Anything Like Me. Their break came when they were discovered at a county fair by Joey Moi, producer for Nickelback. After nearly two years of refining their music, they released a second EP, It’z Just What We Do, in 2012.
Brian Kelley Wiki
- Born: 26 August 1985 (age 39 years), Ormond Beach, Florida, United States
- Music group: Florida Georgia Line (Since 2010)
- Spouse: Brittney Marie Cole (m. 2013)
- Nationality: American
- Parents: Mary Margaret Kelley, Ed Kelley
Early Life
Born to Ed and Mary Margaret Kelley, Brian Kelley spent his childhood in Ormond Beach enjoying sports, writing, and frequent trips to the beach. He was especially dedicated to baseball and developed a deep interest in music, often leading worship at his church and learning to play guitar. His musical tastes were influenced by his sister, who introduced him to country music during car rides—sometimes in exchange for him washing her car.
By the time he graduated from Seabreeze High School in 2004 and Daytona State College in 2007, Kelley was dividing his time between playing college baseball (at both Daytona State College and Florida State University, where he drew attention from professional scouts) and writing music. However, after spending more time on the bench than on the field, he turned his focus to songwriting. This ultimately led him to transfer to Belmont University, where his music career would begin to take shape.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Brian Edward Kelley
- Birthdate: August 26, 1985
- Birthplace: Ormond Beach, Florida, USA
- Nationality: American
- Education: Belmont University, Nashville
- Career Launch: Formed Florida Georgia Line in 2010
- Signature Hits: “Cruise,” “H.O.L.Y.,” “Meant to Be”
- Marital Status: Married to Brittney Marie Cole (since 2013)
- Children: None
- Estimated Net Worth: $25 million
Brian Kelley Family
Kelley was raised in Ormond Beach, Florida, where he developed early passions for both music and sports. Baseball played a major role in his youth, and he dedicated much of his time to playing competitively. With strong support from his family, Kelley pursued athletics seriously throughout his school years. At the same time, his love for music grew. He often spent time writing songs and playing guitar, laying the foundation for his future in the music industry. These dual interests in sports and music would eventually guide his career path.
Education and the Birth of Florida Georgia Line
After graduating high school, Kelley attended Belmont University in Nashville, where he initially focused on his collegiate baseball career. It was there, in 2007, that he met Tyler Hubbard through a campus worship group. The two quickly became close friends, bonding over a shared passion for songwriting and performance. they officially formed Florida Georgia Line and independently released their first EP, Anything Like Me. Their fusion of country, rock, and pop sounds began attracting attention and laid the groundwork for their breakthrough success.
Career Milestones
The duo catapulted to fame with their 2012 debut single “Cruise,” which became a record-breaking hit. It reached No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart and went on to become the best-selling digital country song in history, with over seven million copies sold. Their debut studio album, Here’s to the Good Times (2012), featured other hit singles like “Get Your Shine On,” “Round Here,” and “Stay.” The success continued with albums like Anything Goes (2014), Dig Your Roots (2016), and Can’t Say I Ain’t Country (2019), solidifying the duo as major figures in country music.
Kelley launched his solo career while remaining a part of Florida Georgia Line. He released the EP BK’s Wave Pack and his debut solo album Sunshine State of Mind, projects that showcased his individual voice and deep connection to his Florida upbringing. he followed up with the single “Trucks, Ducks, Bucks & Beer,” which received positive reviews and helped further establish his identity as a solo artist.
Personal Life and Relationships
Brian Kelley married his longtime partner, Brittney Marie Cole, on December 16, 2013, in a private ceremony held in Nashville. Their relationship is frequently spotlighted in the media, noted for its strength, shared values, and creative collaborations. The couple does not have children at this time. Brittney plays an active role in Kelley’s life and career, contributing to various creative endeavors. Together, they co-founded a lifestyle and fashion brand that reflects their shared aesthetic and passion for nature, freedom, and self-expression.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Athletic Roots: Before pursuing music full-time, Kelley was a standout baseball player and was once scouted by the Miami Marlins.
- Philanthropy: He’s actively involved in charitable efforts, particularly those focused on music education and disaster relief.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: Alongside his wife, Kelley co-founded Tribe Kelley, a clothing and lifestyle brand inspired by their love of adventure and sustainable living.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Throughout his career, Kelley has maintained a strong commitment to giving back. He’s participated in numerous charity events and has made impactful contributions to causes that support education in the arts and aid communities affected by natural disasters.
Musically, he’s played a central role in shaping the “bro-country” movement—a genre-mixing style that fuses country with pop, rock, and hip-hop influences. Along with Florida Georgia Line co-founder Tyler Hubbard, Kelley helped modernize the country music scene and reach a broad, global audience. His solo work continues to showcase his evolution as an artist, proving his versatility and strengthening his connection with fans. With a focus on philanthropy, innovation, and authenticity, Kelley is building a legacy that reaches far beyond music.
Future Plans and Cultural Impact
Kelley has made it clear that he’s not slowing down. After the success of Sunshine State of Mind and his 2024 single “Trucks, Ducks, Bucks & Beer,” he’s currently working on new music expected to release later this year. He has also hinted at collaborations with major names in both country and pop, keeping fans excited for what’s to come. Kelley and Brittney are also expanding their brand Tribe Kelley, with plans to launch eco-conscious apparel and lifestyle products, aligning with their passion for sustainability and outdoor living.
Beyond music, Brian Kelley has become a cultural figure. As a leading voice in the “bro-country” wave, he helped reshape the sound and image of country music for a new generation. His music often celebrates rural values, freedom, and a sense of fun—resonating with diverse audiences across the country and beyond. By embracing social media and offering fans a behind-the-scenes look into his life and work, Kelley has built a strong personal brand centered on authenticity and connection. His continued evolution as a musician, entrepreneur, and philanthropist ensures his influence will be felt across music, culture, and business for years to come.
Brian Kelley Net Worth 2025
Brian Kelley’s net worth is estimated at approximately $25 million. His income stems from a successful career with Florida Georgia Line, a growing solo career, songwriting royalties, merchandise, and business ventures including his publishing company Tree Vibez Music and independent label Round Here Records. He and Brittney own a luxurious property in Nashville complete with a home studio, as well as a beach house in Florida, where they spend time enjoying outdoor activities and recharging creatively.
FAQs
What is Brian Kelley doing now?
Kelley referred to himself as a “Beach Cowboy”, announcing that new music would be coming with a full album slated for release in late 2021. On April 13, 2021, he released the extended play BK’s Wave Pack.
Why did Brian Kelly lose so much weight?
“I didn’t want to work 20 years to get to Notre Dame and then have a heart attack and die. So I lost some weight working out virtually every day, and really just tried to lower the chance of all those things that come with the stress of being a head football coach, especially at Notre Dame.”
Has Brian Kelly won a championship?
Brian led GVSU to the NCAA DII National Championship game in 2001, followed by back-to-back DII National Championships in 2002 and 2003. Kelly was named the GLIAC Coach of the Year once during his time with the Lakers and the American Football Coaches Association DII National Coach of the Year twice (2002-03).
Is Brian Kelley the mad scientist?
Kelley’s expansive creativity was recently showcased on Fox’s The Masked Singer season 13, where he made it to the show’s final round. Unmasked as the Mad Scientist Monster, judge Robin Thicke applauded his closing performance as the “best vocal of the season.”