Carolyn Kelly, Syracuse music legend and NYS Blues Hall of Famer, has died

Syracuse music legend Carolyn “Dessie” Kelly has died, according to former New York State Blues Festival director Todd Fitzsimmons, who performed with her in the Carolyn Kelly Blues Band.

Kelly died Saturday, Fitzsimmons said. A cause of death was not announced.

“A renowned blues and gospel singer, she touched the souls of many with her incredible voice and heartfelt performances. Today, we celebrate her life and the indelible mark she left on the world,” Fitzsimmons wrote on Facebook. “Dessie’s talent was unmatched, and her music was a source of inspiration for countless individuals. Through the ups and downs of life, her melodies provided comfort and solace, creating a lasting impact that transcended generations. Her voice will forever echo in our hearts, a timeless reminder of the power of music to heal and uplift.”

Kelly was a gifted singer from South Carolina who arrived in Syracuse in 1968. She performed for many years with Roosevelt Dean in his local blues band, the Soul Doctors, before taking a break to raise a family and focus on gospel music, performing in churches throughout Upstate New York.

In 2006, she returned to performing with Dean, taking the stage at Party in the Plaza and Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. She released her first solo album a year later and won a Syracuse Area Music Award (SAMMY) for her 2009 blues album, “Slow Cooking on Hot.”

After Dean died of cancer in 2009, Kelly continued performing both solo and as the leader of the Carolyn Kelly Blues Band. She regularly appeared at the New York State Blues Festival, The Salt City Waltz, Ladies Night at the Palace and The Great Salt City Blues Concert.

She also worked at Loretto Nursing Home, according to her Facebook page.

Kelly was inducted into the New York State Blues Hall of Fame in 2015. She was inducted into the SAMMYS Hall of Fame earlier this year and performed with her band at the 2023 awards ceremony.

“As we mourn the loss of this extraordinary artist, let us also cherish the beautiful memories and moments she shared with us,” Fitzsimmons said. “Dessie ‘Carolyn’ Kelly’s legacy will live on through the notes of her songs and the lives she touched. May her soul rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the heavenly melodies she so passionately shared with the world.”

“Very sad news to hear that Carolyn Kelly has passed. Not only an incredible and authentic talent but a genuinely warm, humble & sweet spirit. We were lucky to know her,” longtime Syracuse radio host and SAMMYS Lifetime Achievement Award winner Dave Frisina wrote on Facebook. “She will be greatly missed.”

Fellow SAMMYS Hall of Famer Colin Aberdeen of Syracuse roots/blues music band Los Blancos added: “Syracuse has lost one of its greatest people and vocalists. She was at once so sweet, kind , humble and gentle and an incredibly powerful singer and person, in her quiet humility and self effacing humor. When she sang , the room stopped and listened... I feel very lucky to have shared a little time and space with such a gracious ambassador for the blues.”

Details regarding memorial services and tributes will be announced in the coming days, according to Fitzsimmons.

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