Tony “CD” Kelly

Tony Kelly is the brother of legendary dancehall producer Dave Kelly. He is known for his producing, mixing and writing skills, which have brought a host of Jamaican artistes to the attention of the American market. His sound has been instrumental in creating hit songs for a long list of acts including Patra, Shabba Ranks, Mad Cobra, Sean Paul, Wayne Wonder, Sasha, Super Cat, TOK, Shaggy, and Beenie Man

Throughout the 1990’s leading into the new decade, Kelly’s stocks rose with hit dancehall projects including the Unda Wata (Underwater), Kiki, Bookshelf, Buy Out and Katana riddims. Kelly produced and co-wrote Sean Paul’s crossover hit Deport Dem and Like Glue; TOK’s Money To Burn and Mr Easy’s She Drives Me Crazy.

He has had the most crossover hits of any dancehall/reggae producer. His production skills are evident on the Grammy nominated Def Jamaica compilation album for which he is listed as the co-executive producer.

Kelly began to hone his musical skills in the 1980’s as an assistant engineer at the Tuff Gong Studios where he learned the fundamentals of production from studio wizards Scientist and Errol Brown. He would later work as an engineer on groundbreaking records for Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers, West African reggae artiste Alpha Blondy, lovers rock crooner Maxi Priest and a large selection of artistes on Donovan Germain’s Penthouse label including Buju Banton.