Josh Kelley Hosts Listening Party For "Georgia Clay"

(L-R): Beverly Keel (UMG Nashville Sr. VP, Artist & Media Relations), Brian Wright (UMGN Sr. VP, A&R), Tom Lord (UMGN VP, Marketing), Luke Lewis (UMGN Chairman & CEO), Josh Kelley (MCA Recording Artist), Ken Robold (UMGN Executive Vice President, General Manager) Photo: Alan Mayor

Josh Kelley shared new music from his debut for MCA Nashville at a lunch and listening party today (11/9). Media and guests gathered at Ben Folds’ studio on Music Row for a first listen of his Georgia Clay project.

The country outing is due in the spring, but in the meantime, UMG is planning the release of a 3-song EP. It will include his lead single “Georgia Clay,” “A Real Good Try,” and “Ain’t Letting Go.”

Kelley told the crowd about coming to Nashville and spending $20,000 to cut a few sides to shop around. He landed at UMG.

Guests dined on a southern picnic feast while taking in Kelley’s record. Newly appointed UMG publicity head Beverly Keel describes it as a very personal and biographical project for Kelley.

Among those in the crowd celebrating the new project was Kelley’s wife, actress Katherine Heigl.

Kelley makes his Grand Ole Opry debut this weekend.

(L-R): Clint Lagerberg (Producer of Georgia Clay), Josh Kelley (MCA Recording Artist), Luke Lewis (UMGN Chairman & CEO), Brian Wright (UMGN Sr. VP, A&R). Photo: Alan Mayor