BIO

Born in Texas City, raised in Austin and now based in Los Angeles, Miss Kelley Foster offers her audiences a unique blend of classic and original songs delivered with sophistication and Southern-grown charm. She is recognized as one of the most talented performance artists and songwriters of our time.

A highly versatile entertainer, Kelley’s talents as Songwriter, Vocalist, Cabaret Songstress, Big Band Girl Singer, 1920’s Flapper Chanteuse, Celebrity Impressionist and Pinup Model are featured regularly in internationally-acclaimed Venues, Film, Television, Radio, Musical Theatres and News Publications.

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Mother Helen will tell you Kelley’s career began with a song & dance in the crib, but you’ll have to wait for the book for the whole story!

Growing up, Kelley loved to sing, imitating pop radio vocalists and performing with choral groups.  Ballet and Drill Team developed her dancing skills.

College days transformed Miss Foster’s life forever, exposing her to the music of Cole Porter and Duke Ellington.  As vocalist and choreographer of The University of Texas Chorus, Kelley became fascinated with Classic Jazz.  She began listening to all she could, buying from the record store and borrowing from her mother’s collection.  During this discovery, she composed her first song.  “I never envisioned myself writing songs, but something had begun stirring inside me. One day, it just poured itself out onto paper.”

Soon after, Kelley was struck by the proverbial lightning bolt while watching the movie, “Gilda”, starring Rita Hayworth.  As she watched Miss Hayworth purr and wiggle her way through a Latin Torch Number across the Supper Club floor, the stars aligned.  Kelley heard a voice in her head say, “I think I can do that”.

Invigorated by her new dream to sing professionally, Miss Foster started performing at many popular Austin Jazz Spots while recording as lead vocalist with local bands.  She was a favorite among Jazz and Blues lovers, reaching them emotionally with her sensitive style.  “Austin is known worldwide for its live music scene. It’s where I fell in love with the Blues...  It’s also a great place to grow up.  People really are as friendly as you hear about, and they believe in nurturing each others’ artistic talents.”

It was during these early years of Kelley’s career that her mother visited the West Coast and returned to tell her daughter, “Hollywood is the place for you, now.”  Eager to travel, Kelley visited her one L.A. friend who took her to sing at The Dresden with Marty & Elayne.  “That did it,” Kelley says, “You could feel and see electricity in the air! A director asked me to appear in her film shooting the next day.  It was magical.” Upon Kelley’s return to her hometown, plans began for relocation.

As Miss Foster’s talent blossomed back in Austin, more and more people noted her resemblance to the world’s most famous blonde bombshell.  “I was sixteen when someone first told me I looked like ‘Norma Jean’.  I didn’t know whom he meant! Two years later, someone called me ‘Marilyn’. I decided to get to know her.” Several books and movies later, Kelley’s respect for Marilyn Monroe had grown into a successful side career. Just weeks before relocating to Los Angeles, she won her first look-a-like contest.  It was the perfect send-off.  Next stop – Hollywood & Vine!

Fresh on Los Angeles soil, Kelley began appearing at every open mic night she could find.  Luck brought her to a new circle of musician friends with whom she has since shared the stage at numerous nightclubs, concerts, showcases and other special events.  

For over seven years, Kelley performed and recorded as Girl Singer with The Crazy Rhythm Hot Society Orchestra (CRHSO) and The Mike Henebry Orchestra.  Working with these extraordinarily talented musicians introduced her to authentic arrangements of 1914 through the 1940s. New costuming ideas and freedom of physical expression were inspired.  “You just can’t stand still to this music.  And you can’t help but want to get all dolled up in hairdos, gowns, boas & sequins!”  For the first time, Kelley experienced appearing live for audiences of thousands at music festivals as she traveled with these bands throughout California and surrounding states.  “Meeting all the Trad Jazz and Swing Fans has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.  I hope they know how much their friendship and support means to me.”  

Throughout her career, Miss Foster has performed classic and original material at some of the most reputable venues in the country, from The Cinegrill in Los Angeles to Katz’s Top of the Marc in Austin to The Screening Room in New York.  She has appeared with Jazz Greats and Classic Hollywood Celebrities. Her diverse talents include Belly Dancing and Volunteer Entertainment for Children & Seniors.

There are many, many people to thank for helping Kelley grow as a vocalist, performer and songwriter.  With their encouragement, her dreams have come true and her star continues to rise.  Her biggest fans, Ray & Dorothy of Long Beach, attended almost every single California show for ten years!  Her mother, Helen, is her greatest source of inspiration.  

In recent years, Kelley took time off from performing to marry, start a family and focus on songwriting. On tap are a new club tour, a new music video, the wide release of her first film appearance and her debut solo CD featuring eloquent songwriting skills sure to garner much applause.  

We thank you for your interest and for being fans of Miss Kelley Foster!