Kelle Jolly—known as the “Tennessee Ukulele Lady”—is a celebrated musician, vocalist, and storyteller who blends academic training with lived artistry. A graduate of South Carolina State University (B.S. in Music Education) and East Tennessee State University (M.A. in Communication and Storytelling Studies), she has become a leading voice in Appalachian music and culture.

Kelle is the founder of the Women in Jazz Jam Festival and Ukesphere of Knoxville Ukulele Club, and her career spans international tours, theater productions, festival stages, and film soundtracks. She has performed at TEDx ETSU, the Levitt Amp Series, and aboard Bahama Paradise Cruises, with her ukulele playing also featured on her husband Will Boyd’s album Freedom Soul Jazz.

A passionate educator, Kelle leads workshops, residencies, and master classes, sharing her love of music with students of all ages. Her artistry has been highlighted in Ukulele Magazine (Spring 2023), and her performances—from jazz festivals to musical theater—continue to inspire and uplift audiences worldwide.