Southern VII
My name is Randy Kelley, I am the lead vocalist for the Christian Southern Rock Band “ Southern VII”. I would like to take this opportunity to tell you about the group and it’s origin. In the late 70s and early 80s, I was living in Tampa, Fl and was introduced to the sound known as Southern Rock, being impressed with the “working mans music” and it’s blue collar roots, I became an avid fan and began to perform with a local band playing the same circuit as some of the more popular groups of the day (IE: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet, The Outlaws, Doc Holliday, etc), even having the opportunity to be the opening act, in the smaller venues, and to become personal friends with some of the members of these groups. One of the things, however, that this music was known for, was it’s hard livin, drinking, drugs, etc, was a way of life for the “Southern rocker” and it wasn’t long until we also were living the hard life. In 1990, I came to the realization that without God, I was going nowhere fast, and was definitely “Flirtin with disaster. God turned my musical talents in another direction. Out of that was born “Southern VII”. We are a live, high energy group, recreating that sound of “hard drivin” Southern rock, this time with a positive message that we feel can reach those who are familiar with and grew up listening to this style of music but have no Christian alternative to. Southern VII” will deliver a powerful, life changing message in music, that wont soon be forgotten and bring a welcomed change of pace to Christian Music today.
Randy Kelley/ Southern VII
