Hi, I’m Hunter Kelly—a music journalist, broadcaster, and author with more than 20 years covering country music and LGBTQ+ storytelling. I specialize in in-depth artist interviews, producing national radio and podcast programming, and creating high-impact editorial content across print, digital, audio, and live event platforms. My work includes writing the definitive musical biography of The Judds for Liveright, conducting extensive archival research and interviews with Wynonna and Naomi Judd, and collaborating with producers and fellow musicians such as Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, and Reba McEntire. I have curated live event series at 92nd Street Y, hosted Proud Radio on Apple Music, produced Neon Songbook: The Judds, and contributed to Rolling Stone, Spin, MSNBC, Billboard, and Apple News. I also produced, engineered, and co-hosted All Our Favorite People Podcast (2018–2020).

Hunter Kelly

Hi, I’m Hunter Kelly—a music journalist, broadcaster, and author with more than 20 years covering country music and LGBTQ+ storytelling. I specialize in in-depth artist interviews, producing national radio and podcast programming, and creating high-impact editorial content across print, digital, audio, and live event platforms. My work includes writing the definitive musical biography of The Judds for Liveright, conducting extensive archival research and interviews with Wynonna and Naomi Judd, and collaborating with producers and fellow musicians such as Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, and Reba McEntire. I have curated live event series at 92nd Street Y, hosted Proud Radio on Apple Music, produced Neon Songbook: The Judds, and contributed to Rolling Stone, Spin, MSNBC, Billboard, and Apple News. I also produced, engineered, and co-hosted All Our Favorite People Podcast (2018–2020).

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Hunter Kelly—a music journalist, broadcaster, and author with more than 20 years covering country music and LGBTQ+ storytelling. I specialize in in-depth artist interviews, producing national radio and podcast programming, and creating high-impact editorial content across print, digital, audio, and live event platforms.

My work includes writing the definitive musical biography of The Judds for Liveright, conducting extensive archival research and interviews with Wynonna and Naomi Judd, and collaborating with producers and fellow musicians such as Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, and Reba McEntire. I have curated live event series at 92nd Street Y, hosted Proud Radio on Apple Music, produced Neon Songbook: The Judds, and contributed to Rolling Stone, Spin, MSNBC, Billboard, and Apple News. I also produced, engineered, and co-hosted All Our Favorite People Podcast (2018–2020).

See more

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Biography Author at Liveright Publishing Corp
October 1, 2024 - Present
Writing the definitive musical biography of The Judds, with further focus on Wynonna Judd’s solo career. Extensive archival research, interviews with Wynonna and Naomi Judd as well as their producers, collaborators, and fellow musicians, including Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Reba McEntire, and others. Book scheduled for publication in 2027 by Liveright, an imprint of W. W. Norton & Company.
Senior Correspondent at Rare Country (Cox Media Group)
October 22, 2015 - March 6, 2018
Conducted on-camera interviews with leading country artists including Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Maren Morris, and Luke Combs. Hosted Pedal for the Medal, a fan-facing country music trivia show.
Freelance Writer / Producer / On-Camera Talent at Self-Employed
April 1, 2018 - Present
Curated and hosted a live event series with 92nd Street Y featuring in-depth conversations with musicians including Wynonna Judd, Brandi Carlile, Brandy Clark, Willie Nelson, and Yola. Hosted Proud Radio, Apple Music’s flagship LGBTQ+ country and Americana show. Produced, wrote, and narrated Neon Songbook: The Judds (2022), an eight-hour audio documentary series. Contributed to Rolling Stone, Spin, MSNBC, Billboard, The Bluegrass Situation, and Apple News. Wrote liner notes for Reba McEntire’s 2022 box set, Revived Remixed Revisited. Curating Stories & Songs-style programming with How To Academy. Produced the 2023 Love Rising concert. Co-created All Our Favorite People Podcast (2018–2020).
Entertainment Producer / Nashville Correspondent at ABC News / ABC News Radio
May 18, 2006 - October 4, 2015
Reported on country music for ABC World News Tonight, Good Morning America, and ABCNews.com. Produced daily news feeds for country radio stations in the ABC Radio Network featuring exclusive interviews with artists such as Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Kacey Musgraves, and James Taylor. Developed and produced long-form national radio specials hosted by Rascal Flatts, Lady A, and Kelsea Ballerini.

Education

B.B.A., Music Business at Belmont University – Nashville, TN
August 19, 1999 - May 20, 2003

Qualifications

Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence
January 11, 2030 - September 30, 2025
Southeastern Journalism Conference Feature Award (Elton John)
January 11, 2030 - September 30, 2025
Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence
January 11, 2030 - September 30, 2025
Southeastern Journalism Conference Feature Award (Elton John)
January 11, 2030 - September 30, 2025
Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence
January 11, 2030 - September 30, 2025
Southeastern Journalism Conference Feature Award (Elton John)
January 11, 2030 - September 30, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education