Kirk Kelly

Kirk P. Kelly, born circa 1960, is a folk singer, songwriter, and labor activist from New York City. He gained recognition in the mid-1980s as part of the 'anti-folk' movement, a small but intense group of like-minded musicians. Kelly's music, although infrequently recorded, often includes topical songs, some of which highlight the labor movement and his own work experiences. Growing up on Long Island, he was influenced by Irish musicians like the Clancy Brothers, as well as the folk revival artists and punk bands such as the Ramones and the Clash. Kelly later attended an AFL-CIO organizer's training school and worked as a union organizer across the United States.