Father Ray Kelly Balances Priesthood and a New Album

Father Ray Kelly is not just your average priest. He has a brand new record that has just been released in the US now via Capitol Distribution. The priest came to the public's notice when in April last year, a video surfaced on YouTube of an unassuming Catholic priest singing the classic "Hallelujah" at a wedding ceremony.
Father Ray Kelly renders the song in near pitch-perfection, letting slip an impish grin at one point when the impressed audience's titters become audible. "I didn't mean to shock you," he says, taking the pulpit to thunderous applause. Now at nearly 40 million views, Father Ray's "Original Big surprise for Bride and Groom...Chris and Leah O'Kane" has led to a record deal for his debut album,Where I Belong. Already out in Ireland and Germany, the 12-track effort arrives in the U.K. next week and stateside on Mar. 9 via Universal imprint Manhattan Records.
A mix of originals, covers, Celtic songs and church hymns, Where I Belong was recorded in Father Ray's parochial home and at a studio in Vienna last year.
Now, he leads a quieter life, maintaining his voice with "lots of honey in my porridge" and practicing for his two Cavalier King Charles spaniels. That may change in the spring, when Father Ray is considering a U.S. tour behind his album. "It's St. Paddy's Day time as well, so it'll be very Irish over there," he says, adding that the plan is more for TV performances and talk show appearances than concerts.
"I'm fortunate that my bishop has supported everything that I do, and if I ever needed to go away he could get me a replacement," he says. "It's comforting to know that the people in my parish wouldn't be without a priest, or something like that."
Track Listing | |||
01. Together Forever (The Wedding Song) | |||
02. Hallelujah | |||
03. Galway Bay | |||
04. Everybody Hurts | |||
05. How Marvelous | |||
06. Where I Belong | |||
07. Isle Of Hope, Isle Of Tears | |||
08. Tears In Heaven | |||
09. Amazing Grace | |||
10. O Danny Boy | |||
11. How Great Thou Art | |||
12. Love Shine A Light |
Tags : father ray kelly father ray kelly news father ray kelly new album father ray kelly latest father ray kelly hallelujah
Hot Trends
-
Forrest Frank & Crowder Release New Collab “The Rock”
-
Cory Asbury Apologizes to Forrest Frank, Emphasizes Grace and Growth Amid Viral Song Trend
-
Ross King Mourns the Loss of His Wife Staci After Courageous Battle with Cancer
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Passion's "Follow"
-
What We Know About "American Idol" Winner Jamal Roberts' Faith
-
Marvin Winans Joins Justin Bieber on Surprise Album SWAG
-
Critically Acclaimed SKETCH Now Available for Streaming
-
The Grace Effect 2025 to Feature Gospel Powerhouses Jekalyn Carr, Joe Mettle, and More
-
Phil Wickham Unveils “So So Good (Live)” Featuring Brandon Lake and Elevation Worship
-
Josiah Queen “Mt. Zion” Album Review
-
Lysa TerKeurst Remarries Two Years After Divorce
-
The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards Announces Second Round Of Performers And Presenters
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Martin Smith's "Joy (What The World Calls Foolish)"
-
Phil Wickham Celebrates His 15th Wedding Anniversary with "Just Too Good"
Most Popular
-
Forrest Frank & Crowder Release New Collab “The Rock”
-
Cory Asbury Apologizes to Forrest Frank, Emphasizes Grace and Growth Amid Viral Song Trend
-
Ross King Mourns the Loss of His Wife Staci After Courageous Battle with Cancer
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Passion's "Follow"
-
What We Know About "American Idol" Winner Jamal Roberts' Faith
-
Marvin Winans Joins Justin Bieber on Surprise Album SWAG
-
Critically Acclaimed SKETCH Now Available for Streaming
-
The Grace Effect 2025 to Feature Gospel Powerhouses Jekalyn Carr, Joe Mettle, and More
-
Phil Wickham Unveils “So So Good (Live)” Featuring Brandon Lake and Elevation Worship
-
Josiah Queen “Mt. Zion” Album Review
-
Lysa TerKeurst Remarries Two Years After Divorce
-
The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards Announces Second Round Of Performers And Presenters
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Martin Smith's "Joy (What The World Calls Foolish)"
-
Phil Wickham Celebrates His 15th Wedding Anniversary with "Just Too Good"