Kelley was born and raised in LaGrange, Georgia. He attended Long Cane Middle School and Troup County High School, where he participated in the school's show choir for years.[1][2] As a child, he starred in Coca-Cola commercials and played a role in the film Mama Flora's Family. He also performed in a church choir and gospel band with his family.[3] His parents, determined to keep their son down to earth, went with him when he moved to Los Angeles after graduating from high school.[4]
He was cast as singer Ricky Bell for the 2017 BET Biography Miniseries The New Edition Story. He was credited for his help in considering Luke James, who is a long time musical associate of his to audition for the producers of the miniseries to be cast as the bandmate Johnny Gill.[8]
In 2017, Kelley was cast alongside Luke James as a recurring role for the 2nd season of Lee Daniels musical drama Star on FOX.