Paul Kelly: Influential Songs and the Artists Who Inspire Him

October 14, 2025

Paul Kelly: A Lifetime Composing Cinematic Stories Through Song

For over 50 years, Paul Kelly has captivated audiences with songs that transcend mere audio, becoming vivid, sensory experiences. The celebrated Australian musician, now 70, is preparing to release his 30th studio album, ‘Seventy,’ this November.

A Consistent Vision: The Core of a Lasting Career

Kelly’s career has been marked not by fleeting chart-toppers, but by a sustained dedication to the craft of songwriting. He emphasizes that the primary drive throughout his career has always been the creation of the next song-a continuous process of artistic exploration. This consistency has defined his work from his earliest compositions to the present day.

From Trumpet Dreams to Guitar Realities

Born into a musical family-his father a pianist, his grandfather traveling opera singers-Kelly’s initial musical training involved classical piano lessons. However, a pivotal moment arrived with the finding of Louis Armstrong, igniting a passion that led him to pursue the trumpet. though his parents initially expressed caution, his imagination was already taking flight. he ultimately transitioned to the guitar, finding his voice in folk music and eventually embracing the storytelling power of hip hop.

The Influence of Diverse Genres

Kelly’s openness to diverse musical influences is a key element of his artistry. He readily acknowledges the similarities between folk music and hip hop, highlighting their shared emphasis on storytelling, lyrical depth, and accessibility. He praises hip hop’s ability to be created with minimal resources, focusing on lyrical ingenuity. As an example, Kelly cites Queen Latifah’s 1993 track, “Just Another day…”, appreciating its complex juxtaposition of beautiful melodies and stark lyrical realities.

Did You Know? Paul Kelly frequently creates mixtapes as a personal creative outlet, a practice that influenced his appearance on the ‘Take 5 with Zan Rowe’ program.

Mapping Life Through Song: The Power of Place

In a recent appearance on the program ‘Take 5 with Zan Rowe,’ Kelly explored the theme of place, selecting songs that powerfully evoke specific locations and moments in time. He chose tracks by the Kinks, The Go-Betweens, Archie Roach, and Joni Mitchell, each offering a unique sense of atmosphere and emotional resonance. These selections, he explained, demonstrate how songs can transport listeners, recalling memories and feelings associated with particular places.

Artist	song Title	Year
The Kinks	Waterloo sunset	1967
The Go-Betweens	Cattle and Cane	1983
Archie Roach	Charcoal Lane	1990
Queen Latifah	Just Another Day…	1993
Joni Mitchell	river	1971

A Shifting Perspective on Creation

while the creative impulse remains, Kelly notes a change in urgency surrounding his songwriting.He acknowledges a self-awareness, questioning the need for yet another song in a world filled with emerging talent. He reflects, “Maybe I’m sick of myself.” Despite this, he continues to create, driven by an enduring passion for the art form.

Pro Tip: Explore the work of the artists mentioned in Kelly’s ‘Take 5’ selections to understand the depth of his musical influences.

The enduring Legacy of Songwriting

Paul Kelly’s career exemplifies the power of consistent artistic vision and a willingness to embrace diverse influences. His songs are not merely entertainment; they are evocative narratives that resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level. As he prepares to release his 30th album, his work continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. The rise of streaming services and digital music consumption has also transformed the landscape for songwriters, allowing artists to connect directly with fans and maintain creative control. According to a report by the Recording Industry Association of america (RIAA),streaming accounted for 84% of total U.S. music revenue in the first half of 2023, highlighting the growing importance of this platform for artists.

Frequently asked Questions about Paul Kelly

• What is Paul Kelly’s primary focus in songwriting? Paul Kelly’s main focus has always been the process of writing the next song, consistently creating new material throughout his career.
• Which genres have influenced Paul Kelly’s music? Paul Kelly’s music has been influenced by a diverse range of genres, including folk, jazz, and hip hop.
• What is the significance of place in Paul Kelly’s songwriting? Place is a recurring theme in Paul Kelly’s songwriting, with his songs frequently enough evoking strong senses of location and atmosphere.
• What is ‘Take 5 with Zan Rowe’? ‘Take 5 with Zan Rowe’ is a program where musicians share five songs that are meaningful to them, offering insights into their artistic influences and personal stories.
• What is Paul Kelly’s upcoming album called? Paul Kelly’s upcoming 30th studio album is titled ‘Seventy’ and will be released in November.

What songs evoke a strong sense of place for you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Do you think consistency is the key to a long and accomplished music career?

How dose Paul Kelly’s song “From Little Things” demonstrate a connection to Pete Seeger’s work beyond musical style?

The Foundations: Early Influences & Australian Songwriting

Paul Kelly, a cornerstone of Australian music, hasn’t simply created a unique sound; he’s meticulously built it, brick by brick, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of artists. understanding his influences is key to appreciating the depth and complexity of his songwriting. Early exposure to folk, blues, and rock & roll laid the groundwork.

* Bob Dylan: A ubiquitous influence on songwriters globally, Dylan’s lyrical storytelling and protest songs resonated deeply with the young Kelly. The narrative drive in songs like “To Look at Them” clearly echoes Dylan’s style.

* Leonard Cohen: Cohen’s poetic lyrics and melancholic melodies provided another crucial touchstone. Kelly’s ability to convey complex emotions with understated elegance owes a debt to Cohen’s influence.

* The Velvet Underground: the raw energy and lyrical experimentation of The Velvet Underground, particularly Lou Reed’s songwriting, broadened Kelly’s musical palette. This influence is subtle but present in Kelly’s willingness to explore darker themes.

* Australian Indigenous Music: Kelly has consistently acknowledged the profound impact of Aboriginal storytelling and music on his work. He’s actively collaborated with Indigenous artists and incorporated elements of traditional music into his compositions, demonstrating respect and a commitment to cultural exchange.

Key Songs & Their Inspirations: A Deeper Dive

Let’s examine specific Paul Kelly songs and unpack the artists who demonstrably shaped them. This isn’t about imitation, but about a creative dialog.

“From Little Things Big Things Grow” (1991) – Storytelling & social commentary

This iconic song, recounting the Gurindji Strike of 1966, showcases Kelly’s masterful storytelling. While the story itself is historical, the way it’s told is heavily influenced by:

* Woody Guthrie: Guthrie’s ballads of the working class and social injustice provided a model for Kelly’s narrative approach.The song’s simplicity and directness are hallmarks of Guthrie’s style.

* Pete Seeger: Seeger’s commitment to folk music as a vehicle for social change aligns with the core message of “From little Things.” The song’s singalong quality also reflects Seeger’s influence.

“Before Too Long” (1987) – Raw Emotion & Blues Roots

This emotionally charged song, dealing with themes of loss and regret, reveals Kelly’s blues and soul influences.

* Van Morrison: Morrison’s ability to convey raw emotion and spiritual yearning is evident in Kelly’s vocal delivery and lyrical intensity.

* Ray Charles: The soulful phrasing and bluesy undertones in “Before Too Long” are reminiscent of ray Charles’s iconic performances.

* Otis Redding: Redding’s passionate vocal style and ability to convey vulnerability also played a role in shaping Kelly’s approach to this song.

“How to Make Gravy” (1995) – Narrative Detail & Character Study

A quintessential Australian song, “How to Make Gravy” is a masterclass in character progress and narrative detail.

* Tom Waits: Waits’s knack for creating vivid characters and painting detailed scenes with words is a clear influence. The song’s conversational tone and quirky details echo Waits’s style.

* Charles Bukowski: Bukowski’s gritty realism and focus on everyday life resonate with the song’s down-to-earth portrayal of an Australian family.

Beyond the Obvious: Unexpected Influences

Kelly’s influences aren’t limited to well-known musicians. He’s also drawn inspiration from literature, poetry, and even visual art.

* Patrick White (Australian Author): White’s complex characters and exploration of Australian identity have informed Kelly’s lyrical themes.

* Robert Forster (The Go-Betweens): Forster’s bright and literary songwriting style has been a source of inspiration for Kelly’s own lyrical approach. A mutual respect and friendship between the two artists is well documented.

* Jazz Musicians (Charles mingus, John Coltrane): Kelly’s appreciation for