Tom Kelly Sheet Music

About Tom Kelly

Thomas F. Kelly, known professionally as Tom Kelly, is an American musician and a highly successful songwriter, particularly renowned for his prolific collaboration with Billy Steinberg. Together, they crafted numerous chart-topping pop and rock anthems of the 1980s and 1990s, defining a significant era in popular music. His profound impact on contemporary music earned him an induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

  • Tom Kelly co-wrote five number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including "Like a Virgin" for Madonna, "True Colors" for Cyndi Lauper, "Alone" for Heart, "Eternal Flame" for The Bangles, and "So Emotional" for Whitney Houston.
  • Before his success as a songwriter, Kelly was an accomplished session musician and vocalist in Los Angeles, playing bass and singing backing vocals for artists like Dan Fogelberg and Toto, and touring with Toto in 1979.
  • Kelly and Steinberg also formed their own short-lived band, i-Ten, releasing the album "Taking a Cold Look" in 1983, which featured their song "Alone" before it became a massive hit for Heart.
  • In addition to his collaboration with Billy Steinberg, Tom Kelly also co-wrote with other notable artists, including Pat Benatar for the hit "Fire and Ice" and Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders for songs like "I'll Stand By You."

Tom Kelly's sheet music offers an incredible opportunity to engage with some of pop and rock's most iconic and enduring melodies. Ideal for vocalists, pianists, and guitarists of various skill levels, his compositions are celebrated for their memorable hooks, compelling lyrical narratives (often penned by Steinberg), and powerful emotional resonance. Performing his music provides a rewarding experience, allowing musicians to delve into the structures and harmonies behind songs that have become cultural touchstones, whether you're a beginner tackling a simplified arrangement or an advanced player mastering the original vocal and instrumental parts.

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