Formed in 1998 in Modesto, California, Johnny and Kelly have worked hard to become one of the busiest musical ensembles in the Central Valley. With literally thousands of performances under their belts since their union, Johnny & Kelly continue to refine their live shows, consistently generating positive feedback from even the most diverse audiences.

After grading from Grace M. Davis High School, Kelly earned a B.A. in Music, Science & Technology from Stanford University. He then immersed himself in music performance, first in France, then back in the Northern California area. Aside from being half of Johnny & Kelly, Kelly has performed with flamenco inspired group Last Caravan, afro-cuban group Vission Latina, Steely Dan tribute group Kid Charlemagne, The Johnny Valdes Trio, and as a solo artist. Depending on the group situation, Kelly performs on vocals, guitar, bass, drums, turntables and percussion. He is also an experienced audio recording engineer and producer who records himself and other artists frequently in his home studio, Kel's Kitchen.

Johnny has been performing as a guitarist and vocalist in the Northern California area since graduating from Grace M. Davis High school. He founded or has been a seminal part of several Central Valley bands including Drag n' Fly, Kid Charlemagne, the Blue Monday Band, Melodious Funk, and the Johnny Valdes Trio. Johnny has also performed and recorded with the late Dave Wallace (Manhattan Transfer, Loggins & Messina), Grammy nominated pianist Mark Little, and as a solo artist. He has studied and performed with jazz guitar virtuosi Mimi Fox and John Stowell and is himself an instructor.

Both Johnny and Kelly have been honored with multiple Modesto Area Music Awards (MAMAs) and have performed at all of the Modesto area's major events and venues including X-Fest, Warrior Day and the MAMA awards ceremony.