John Kelly

Writer & Broadcaster

Matsuo Basho (1644 – 1694), was the most famous poet of the Edo period in Japan (Pic: Getty)

John Kelly: How an Irishman in Tokyo translated a master of haiku

opinion • 05 Nov 22

John Kelly on two sound men who changed how we hear things

opinion • 01 Oct 22

John Kelly on keeping it simple and being awake to nature

opinion • 03 Sep 22

'Vulture Prince' by Arooj Aftab is one of John Kelly's picks for 2021

John Kelly's Top 10 Albums of 2021

Music • 11 Dec 21

John Kelly, presenter of The Works Presents.

John Kelly on the privilege of interviewing great artists

Ahead of the new series of The Works Presents, John Kelly writes about the privilege of interviewing well-known people and how he's conscious that someone watching could be inspired by an answer to a question.

Culture • 09 Nov 19

Notions - John Kelly on his new poetry collection

The publication of Notions has provoked, in the main, the following responses from my friends. Some say they had no idea that I wrote poetry at all and others, those who have known me for thirty years or more, are asking why it has taken me so long?

Poetry • 27 Oct 18

Horslips' The Táin - John Kelly on the album that saved his life

In writing these pieces under the loose heading of 'Albums to save your life', I thought I'd finish up with one that most definitely saved mine – Horslips' fusion masterpiece The Táin.

Music • 04 Dec 17

John Kelly on Blondie's pop-punk classic Parallel Lines

Many of us recall significant moments as we waited patiently for something – anything – amid the endless banality of the acts that appeared on Top Of The Pops.

Music • 16 Jan 18

John Kelly on the wonder of Elvis Presley's Sun Sessions

The story of Elvis Presley is a complicated one – especially when we get to the later years and the popular view tends towards ridicule and despair...

Culture • 09 Oct 17

John Kelly on Aretha Franklin's gospel classic Amazing Grace

Exploring the gloriously twisted black and white roots of American popular music can be a most rewarding passion. It can lead the curious traveler to all sorts of shady places. But when the traveller turns pilgrim it leads right back to the church.

Music • 16 Aug 18