Paul Kelly Marks Milestone Age with New Album
From St Kilda to Kings Cross and from the hills overlooking the MCG to the vast outback, no songwriter has portrayed Australian life quite like Paul Kelly. Now, at the age of 70, the celebrated musician releases his 30th studio album.
A Milestone Album
The record, appropriately titled 70, reflects both a milestone and Kelly’s enduring passion for music. He says he feels happier than ever and believes he’s performing at his best.
“You’ve got to live that long. Everything else after that is, you know, gravy,” he said.
Songwriting Inspiration
Kelly continues to write and sing with the same curiosity that has defined his career. He gathers lyrics from everyday conversations, books, and poetry that strike him as meaningful.
“If I read something, I think ‘that’s a good line’, or a line of poetry or something from a book, or just general conversation that’s got a good ring to it, I’ll write it down,” he said.
One of his memorable lines, “I’ve done all the dumb things”, came from a casual remark overheard at the Corner Hotel in Richmond.
Availability
Paul Kelly’s album 70 will be released tomorrow.
Author’s Summary
At 70, Paul Kelly celebrates his storied career with a new album that captures his timeless voice and ongoing love for storytelling through song.