Volusia County native Brian Kelley, formerly of Florida Georgia Line, is set to perform during prime time on Wednesday at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
Kelley, who is now pursuing a solo career, will take the stage to perform his song “American Spirit,” according to his father, Ed Kelley, a former Volusia County Council Chair. The performance is scheduled for the 8 p.m. hour, though there is some uncertainty about whether this refers to Eastern or Central time.
“The word we had on it was 8:20, but you know how things go, it could change,” Ed Kelley explained. “We looked on the schedule, and everything they list is Central Time,” meaning the performance might occur between 9 and 10 p.m. for viewers in Volusia and Flagler counties.
Kelley’s participation in the convention was also confirmed by his Nashville-based publicist, Jensen Sussman, who reiterated that the singer is slated to perform in the 8 p.m. hour Eastern Time.
Kelley’s parents expressed pride in their son’s involvement in the event. “We’re proud of him for being able to do it,” Ed Kelley said. “I think this also clears up any confusion anyone may have about where he stands in his support for the country. We’re glad that he has the opportunity to sing at least one of his songs about his love of country.”
Released as a single over the July 4th weekend in 2022, “American Spirit” pays tribute to those who have sacrificed to defend America’s freedoms. The song was inspired by Kelley’s grandfather, John Edward Kelley, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II, was a prisoner of war, and earned two Purple Hearts. The song’s chorus includes the following lyrics:
“American spirit, that red, white and blue/ It’s flying for freedom, for me and for you/ It’s what I believe in, this country I love/ That American spirit runs in our blood.”
Reflecting on his roots, Kelley said of the Bandshell in an interview with The News-Journal ahead of a homecoming performance there in 2023, “It’s a special place that pushed me and helped me along the way. It’s always in my heart, in my head. I still think back to those days.”
Florida Georgia Line, the band Kelley was formerly part of, is notable for being the only country act to achieve two RIAA Diamond-certified singles — the 14-time platinum No. 1 hits “Cruise” and “Meant to Be” with Bebe Rexha.