Robert Sylvester Kelly, better known by his stage name R. Kelly, is an American R&B singer-songwriter, arranger, performer and record producer. A native of Chicago, Kelly began performing during the late 1980s and debuted in 1992 with the group Public Announcement. In 1993, Kelly went solo with the album 12 Play. He is known for a collection of major hit singles including "Bump n' Grind", "Your Body's Callin'", "I Believe I Can Fly", "Gotham City", "Ignition (Remix)", "If I Could Turn Back the Hands of Time", "The World's Greatest", "I'm a Flirt", and the hip-hopera "Trapped in the Closet". In 1998, Kelly won three Grammy Awards for "I Believe I Can Fly".Kelly has also written, produced and remixed songs for many artists including Ronald Isley and The Isley Brothers, Quincy Jones, Luther Vandross, N-Phase, Aaliyah, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton, Celine Dion, Michael Jackson, Maxwell, Gerald LeVert, Britney Spears, Usher, Ray J, B2K, Ciara, Mary J. Blige, and Jennifer Lopez among others.
Was married to R&B Singer/actress Aaliyah. That marrige was annulled due to Aaliyahs status as a minor (she was 15 years old,; he was in his mid 20s).
Two daughters Jaya and Joann and a son Robert Jr.
His mother, Joanne Kelly, died in 1993
Had a young Halle Berry as his love interest in on of his first videos 1992 Honey Love.
R. Kelly began his music career as the front man of r&b singing group Public Announcement.
Used to be the producer for Changing Faces, Sparkle and Kelly Price.
Had the most top ten singles in America during the 90s.
Has sold over 24 million albums worlwide.
Albums: Born into the 90s; 12 Play; R. Kelly; R; TP-2.com, Best of Both Worlds.
R. Kelly has recorded a song about his court battle and released it exclusively to his local radio station.
R.Kelly out on $750,000 bail after being charged with 21 counts of producing child pornography.
Frequently collaborates with Ronald Isley.
Writes, arranges, and produces all of his own songs.
Frequently wears basketball jerseys with the number 12 on to commemorate his groundbreaking album "12 Play".
His latest album "Chocolate Factory" sold over 500,000 copies in its first week of release. It has so far sold in excess of 2,000,000 in the USA alone.
Attended Kenwood Academy High School in Chicago, Illinois.
Shares a birthday with Sean Paul, WWE star Chris Masters(The Masterpiece), and David Bowie.
Ironically, he suffers from fear of flying.
People can say whatever they want about you without knowing the facts.
My greatest competition is, well, me.
I was the highest-paid street performer, probably, in the history of,Chicago. I was making like $800 a day.
I look at my music in the beginning, and the sexual songs, the partying,songs, those are the realities because those things happen.
I learnt a whole lot from my mother. About music, relationships, being a,good person, loving people, the whole of life. I learnt about,everything from her. Every single day I think about her. All through,the day.
I am very conscious of who I am as an artist and as an inspirational,person.
Not only did I get an A in music but I got an A in ladies.
I love the smell of a theater. The old rooms and the carpet and all that,stuff. I love to tell stories. Even before I was doing music, I saw,myself as a director. So most of my songs come in a play form, you,know, where there are characters and stories, so I like to go beyond,just the song sometimes.
When I was performing on streets, there was no pressure. People accepted,me. They loved me without knowing me.
When I think of musical geniuses, I think of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye,Michael Jackson and Prince.
My fans have always loved my metaphors.
When you listen to sexual music, it gets you in the mood.
When you hear romantic music, it makes you want to take your girl out to,dinner or buy her something or take her out in the moonlight or take,her on a walk.
You know, I love plays. I love the smell of a theater. The old rooms and,the carpet and all that stuff. I love to tell stories. Even before I,was doing music, I saw myself as a director.
I belive I can fly, I believe I can touch the sky.
Jigga, Kells, Not Guilty,I am very conscious of who I am as an artist and as an inspirational person.
My mom actually had a band called Six Pack - even though there were seven of them - who went around Chicago performing popular songs. Her voice was like Gladys Knight mixed with Aretha Franklin.
When you hear romantic music, it makes you want to take your girl out to dinner or buy her something or take her out in the moonlight or take her on a walk.
