John was born on 8th March 1967, and was the first child of Dan and Barbera, born in Spain.

The first instrument Johnny used were the drums. His first set he built himself, the second Dan gave to him as a present. Nowadays he prefers to play the guitar, and has left the drum to his younger brother Angelo.

John always seemed to be the shy and quiet brother, his songs mostly being romantic ballads.

He was the star child of the Kelly Family when they first began, making their hit song, 'Who will come with me (Davids song)"When he got a bit older his younger brother Paddy took over that part.

Maite Itoiz was a fanous opera singer in her own country. He first met Maite when he was just one year old. They met again later, when she was six. She remembers it well: "He took me in the hand, he was so big. The size difference back then was even bigger than today. He was a young gentleman."

"One day." Johnny said. "She came into the kitchen, I sat there with my grandmother and sister. Suddenly, she said to me 'I will marry you!'

The two went on to lead lives down different paths, though through artistic and personal reasons the two families kept in contact for years. "Some times she call me, but I'm a shy type. They never suspected I was interested in her."

Maite said: "They sent us their records and videos. Of coarse, I saw that Johnny had become an attractive and interesting young man."

In 1995, they met again at a performance in Cologne, for the first time in more than 14 years. But Johnny was too ill and shy and busy with the show, so there was no time for them to get to know each other better. After two days they had to leave.

1997, fate lent a hand. His sisters spoke to Maite, and asked her if she liked any  of their brothers, and if she liked Johnny. Maite said she was shocked, and thought that Johnny had a girlfriend and had never dared to ask.

Through skillful questioning both sides, the situation was soon clear: "We were both single and we liked each other very much. We were best friends, and after a time we knew that we were in love. It was wonderful! Just like in old times! My father could hardly suppress his laughter.”

After four years they were married in a medieval cermeony on the day of the Summer solstice, 24th July 2004.

Since 2000 Johnny no longer plays with the rest of their band after a fallout with his siblings.

Two years later John released a statement on his wife's website, talking about the reasons for leaving the band. In short: he disagreed with how the rest of the family saw the band's future:


Dear fans and friends

Please forgive me that many of you had to suffer almost four years of hearing nothing from me. Finally, I have myself in this situation is brought out of there is no way back.
I think the main question is whether I will ever again with my brothers on stage, CDs, videos, etc. will sing. Please let me focus on the issue, since they are for most of you the most important.
I would also like to clarify that I only speak for myself and that nobody had permission for me to talk within these last four years. First and most importantly, I've never had a break in singing 'Kelly Family' made, as was mentioned everywhere, and it was never my wish to do so.
I have the Kelly Family never leave, I will always have the Kelly Family, which nobody can take me. I am one of those who founded the Kelly Family.
Towards the end of 1999, planned the family, including me, important meetings in early 2000, with projects in general, a change in many things that can no longer ran so well. The outcome of these meetings brought new internal structural changes, including the main theme: the artistic future of the Kelly Family singing.
For over 20 years was my father's boss, who contributed the artistic and 'The Kelly Family' protected. During the meeting decided (for reasons which each member may have had) a group of Kelly - members of the artistic direction of my father to take over completely, without that he had wanted it
The major reason that I have my father as the founder had a great respect, I met my decision. For the future of the Kelly Family, I think only of the artistic - philosophical roots. The truth is, the results speak for themselves.

I believe in development, but only if they are always in the same direction - always to respect its roots, and they never give up. They made the true family of Kelly. If I am honest, I do not believe in the so-called new Kelly Family. You and I would lie to myself, if I continue with my siblings and you would work so vormachte that The Kelly Family is.

For me, the memory of my parents to honor more valuable than fame and money. You have more than enough proof that they do the right things, as I did.

There are also some other factors related to the Kelly Family and the Business, in my view, neither fair nor are professionally.

I saw them at that time were all raised, but no one was eliminated. All this forced me to take this decision, although I am prepared to do was to continue until the end.

Please understand that I agree with this statement does not wish to condemn. I express my only truth.

Dear fans, I your love and support will never forget. You will always be in my heart.

I thank all my brothers and sisters to thank for the years that we spent together have an impossible job to do. My incredible parents, the real-makers who are always there for other aufopferten. My wife, because she supports me, understands me and loves to make a happy man. Thanks to her I am now slowly coming back to the music world.

I am very grateful to be alive. Life was always amazing to me. We can all learn.

Thank you for your patience and your understanding.

Best regards, Sincerely yours,

John Kelly