Belles
Belles | |
|---|---|
| Born | Kelli Rachel Jones June 9, 1999 Omaha, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Origin | Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Genre | Country |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 2018-present |
| Label | Deluge Nashville/East Music Row |
| Formerly of | The Belles |
Kelli Rachel Jones (born June 9, 1999), professionally known as Belles, is an American country music singer. She began her career in 2018 as one-half of the duo the Belles before recording as a solo artist in the 2020s. In 2026, she made her first appearance on the Billboard Country Airplay charts with "Son of Jolene", a duet with Dolly Parton.
Biography
[edit]Kelli Rachel Jones was born June 9, 1999, in Omaha, Nebraska. Her mother, Jaymie, founded the pop group Mulberry Lane in 1999.[1] In 2018, Kelli and Jaymie began recording as a duo called the Belles. This name was inspired by a childhood nickname given to Kelli by her sisters. The Belles recorded an independent, self-titled extended play produced by Mickey Jack Cones. This was followed by the duo serving as an opening act for Dan + Shay, Brett Eldredge, and Old Dominion.[1]
Kelli went solo in 2021, also assuming the name Belles in the process. Throughout the 2020s, she released a number of independent singles produced by Ned Cameron.[2] She signed a record deal with East Music Row Records, a division of Deluge Music, along with a publishing contract from the latter company, in September 2024.[3] Belles announced a 19-concert tour in 2026 titled the Songs & Stories Tour. This was followed in April of that year by the release of her single "Son of Jolene", a duet with Dolly Parton.[4] Written by Belles along with Dan Harrison and Tyler Bank, the song is a sequel to Parton's late 1973-early 1974 hit "Jolene".[5] The song was the last new recording released by Parton during her lifetime.[6] Robert K. Oermann of MusicRow reviewed the song favorably, writing that "[t]he scampering track and Dolly’s pinpoint harmony singing are tingling delights."[7]
On the Billboard Country Airplay chart dated September 12, 2026, "Son of Jolene" debuted at number 51.[8] "Son of Jolene" will be included on her debut album, Midwestern, slated for release on October 16, 2026, via East Music Row Records.[5]
Discography
[edit]| Year | Single | Peak chart positions |
|---|---|---|
| US Country Airplay[9] | ||
| 2026 | "Son of Jolene" (with Dolly Parton) | 48 |
References
[edit]- 1 2 Janeen Megloranzo (July 16, 2018). "Exclusive: Getting to Know The Belles". The Country Note. Retrieved September 9, 2026.
- ↑ Erica Zisman (January 17, 2024). "Who is Belles? The story behind her journey into country music". Country Swag. Retrieved September 9, 2026.
- ↑ Liza Anderson (September 13, 2024). "Kelli Belles Signs Publishing & Record Deal With Deluge Music". MusicRow. Retrieved September 9, 2026.
- ↑ Madison Hahnen (March 18, 2026). "Bells to share 'Songs & Stories' on the road". MusicRow. Retrieved September 9, 2026.
- 1 2 LB Cantrell (September 9, 2026). "Belles' 'Son of Jolene' collaboration with Dolly Parton impacts radio". MusicRow. Retrieved September 9, 2026.
- ↑ "Belles and Dolly Parton's 'Son of Jolene' debuts on Billboard's Country Airplay chart". Billboard. September 4, 2026. Retrieved September 9, 2026.
- ↑ Robert K. Oermann (April 30, 2026). "DISClaimer single reviews: Kassi Ashton 'Has Never Sounded Better'". MusicRow. Retrieved September 9, 2026.
- ↑ "Billboard Country Update" (PDF). Billboard. September 4, 2026. Retrieved September 9, 2026.
- ↑ "Billboard Country Update" (PDF). Billboard. Retrieved September 11, 2026.