Kelly Harrell was an American folk and country musician whose work is emblematic of the early 20th-century Appalachian music scene. Born on September 13, 1889, in Draper, Virginia, Harrell was not a professional musician by trade; he actually worked in various textile mills throughout his life. Despite not playing an instrument himself, his strong, emotive voice and mastery of traditional singing made him a notable figure in the early recording industry. Harrell recorded dozens of songs between 1925 and 1929, leaving a significant imprint on the legacy of American roots music.

Although Harrell's musical career was relatively short-lived, his recordings have enjoyed a long afterlife, influencing folk musicians and capturing the imagination of listeners for decades. Compilations of his work, like "Kelly Harrell Vol. 1 (1925-1926)," showcase his repertoire of ballads, religious songs, and blues. Signature recordings such as "Charles Giteau," which tells the tale of President James A. Garfield's assassin, exhibit the narrative storytelling that is a hallmark of folk music. Harrell's "Textile Mill Blues" reflects the hardships of the working-class life he knew so well. Largely underrecognized during his lifetime, Kelly Harrell's legacy has been reassessed in modern times with the remastering and reissuing of his work, highlighting his contribution to the cultural tapestry of American music.