We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Edward Kelly a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Edward, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
My confidence is much more explained in the “Spreading the Word and Brand Section’ of this article.” Self-esteem was totally another issue.I had very bad acne during my teenage years, They did not have the medications that they have today. Clearasil seemed to be the only answer and that only covered the basic. The scaring from the acne is still noticeable but cleared on its own during the years. I watched a tape of myself on American Bandstand and certain camera close-up shots were not to pleasant to watch. Being 16 i eventually instead focused on having fun on the show and all the trimmings that went along with it. After 18 years of age you had to leave the show. Teenage years are extremely difficult for most of us. They are different for everyone and we all seem to get through them. As the years go by I found there are so many things in life to be thankful for especially your health. You do your best to get through all life’s challenges. You learn to go forward!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
At about 14 years old after school I used to watch a television show called American Bandstand and got to know the names of many of the dancers.. They were not professional dancers. The show aired 5 days a week 2-1/2 hours a day and viewed by 20 Million per day. Scared at first I asked my neighbor Barbara Veneziale to accompany me to the the show. We both sat in the bleechers the whole time and too intimidated to dance. Barbara never wanted to go back. I could not wait to go back. Finally with my high school schedule I was able to return at 16 to a world of fantasy and excitement.I eventually interviewed by Dick Clark after a viewer wrote a letter received by Grace Gifford from Muskego,WI that I looked like her son Ron who was stationed in Pakistan as an Air Force Recruit. From that moment my popularity grew to receiving fan mail, teen magazine interview such as Teen, 16, Dig, Teen Screen, Photoplay, newspapers, books, AB Anniversary Shows, fan clubs, Oprah Winfrey Show, Today Show, Town Hall, Documentaries, including many social media interviews up until today 10/12/23. I spent my years working in the Music Industry, Big 3, MGM/20th Century Fox music catalogues in the Copyright Departments. It was then by working in the Legal Profession starting as a Records clerk and advancing to Records Supervisor and Record Manager for a total of about 30 years. During this time I was promoted to Assistant Office Manager and Office Administrator. I never had to apply for positions to further my career. I owe it all to females in charge that recognized my skills and pushed me forward. I never felt comfortable taking challenges. For some reason sad to say the males were from a different breed. I m currently retired and Volunteer at the Information Desk at a hospital here in Burbank, CA . For me I feel it truly feeds my soul and extremely rewarding. I am enjoying my retirement with my Partner Tony Paradise (My Soul Mate n Right Arm) of 52 years. I am proud to be a member of the LGBQT+ Community!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Caring for people Being a listener
A smile works wonders
Kindness
Showing support for others as needed
One should never think they know everything
One could never get enough knowledge
Experiences are everyone”s best policy
Understanding n Love for others
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
Being on American Bandstand became an obstacle for me I went to a Catholic High School from 59-60. I was called in by the Principal and told I could not further my education if I continued on American Bandstand. I could not understand this decision and it made no sense to me since there were 3 other well known dancers who attended. My parents came to the school and told them The Catholic Church had definitely no right to makes this decision. I finished my education by attending a Business School. This decision continuing to be on AB made me part of RockNRoll History n keeping the KELLY name alive! Thank You Mom (Marge) Dad(Ed). RIP.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: eddiekellyamericanbandstand
- Facebook: eddiekellyamericanbandstand
- Linkedin: [email protected]
- Youtube: eddiekellyamericanbandstand
- Other: BandstandDiaries.com
