God used music to write a love story that began in 2011 during the writers’ rounds of Music Row in Nashville, Tennessee. Allen began his music career as a drummer before teaching himself guitar and writing songs for his college rock band. After meeting his music mentor, Marc-Alan Barnette, through NSAI, Allen moved to Music City in 2010. Together, they co-wrote the Telly Award–winning song “Less Is More,” and Allen later co-founded Neon Publishing alongside songwriters Keith Dozier and Matt Casey.
Kelly’s musical journey began as a piano player, writing Christian songs at an early age. As a young adult, she recorded her first album and toured with Blessid Union of Souls through an artist development deal with New Line Management. This led to an indie artist deal with Christian label South Pawl Records, bringing her to Nashville around the same time as Allen. Kelly also spent time on the business side of the industry as a recruiter for Sony/ATV Music Publishing.
When Allen and Kelly met, they began as friends writing and playing music together—and they’ve continued ever since as husband and wife.
After marrying in Nashville, the two relocated to Southwest Florida, where they continue to write, record, and perform while working in careers they love. Kelly serves as a marketing project manager, and Allen is a 7th-grade ELA teacher. Though life stays busy, music remains central as they share songs, videos, and live performances with their growing community.
Musically, Allen & Kelly are a melody-driven duo influenced by their love of ’90s music, blended with country and Christian roots formed through years of collaboration with some of the nation’s most talented writers and musicians. Their songs draw from real-life experiences, creating honest, relatable lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners.
In 2022, they released an EP as part of the band Black Rock Jerica. In the summers of 2024 and 2025, they released two EPs as Allen & Kelly, featuring both new music and re-recorded songs from their Nashville years. In March 2025, they were honored as Top 100 winners in a Broadjam songwriting contest for their single “Roll Of The Dice.
Now, Allen & Kelly are stepping into a new season with the launch of their worship ministry. Centered on sharing Jesus through music, scripture, and testimony, their ministry serves local churches, recovery communities, and worship gatherings in and around Cape Coral, Florida. They are currently working on a worship album slated for release in 2026 and remain committed to releasing music as God leads.
Their Christian faith and life lived in recovery are the foundation of everything they do. Inspired by the grace of Jesus, Allen & Kelly believe music is a gift meant to serve others—a way for their souls to sing whatever God places on their hearts. United by faith, love, and purpose, they are passionate about using music to glorify God and share hope with the world.
