Jan Kelly, born in 1948 in Heyfield, Victoria, grew up singing in school choirs, concerts, and anywhere she could. At 13, she performed at the official opening of the Thornton Hotel, earning a glass of cold lemonade for her efforts. In 1962, while living in Eildon, she gained valuable experience singing with The Wanderers during their holiday visits. Soon after, she moved to Melbourne, performing at a concert party club for the elderly and spending a year with the group The Falcons.
After a four-year break, she moved to Sydney, entered and won several talent quests, and was signed by an agent, keeping her busy on the club circuit. In the 70s, she worked with Nev Nicholls & The Country Playboys at the Texas Tavern, where she met Terry Smith. They also played with Kevin King and the Country Sounds until Terry left for Vietnam. Upon his return, they settled in Wauchope and formed Mainline, later renamed The Kelly Express.
In the 80s, Jan released the EP 'Baby Tina' and the album 'I’m A Woman (I Need a Lover and a Friend)' on Country Records, followed by the album 'Sorry'. With Nev Nicholls, she released the single ''Country Music Turns Me On / Good Old Love'' on Powderworks, and with Terry Smith and The Kelly Express, she released the album 'Without Reason' and two singles. In 1985, she released ''Bulldog Mack'' on Sundown and was inducted into the Hands of Fame in Tamworth. Jan retired from professional entertaining in 2021.
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