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R Kelly's Biography in Summary

Robert Sylvester Kelly, better known as R. Kelly to his fans, is an American singer. He is one of the best-selling music artists in the United States and the most successful R&B male artist of the 1990s. A multi-faceted personality, Kelly is a singer-songwriter, record producer, actor, and former semi-professional basketball player. He has written, produced, and remixed many songs, several of which became chartbusters, earning him the nickname ‘King of R&B.’ Blessed with a distinctive voice, Kelly has his own innovative style of singing and rapping which distinguishes him from other contemporary musicians. He is one of the best-selling musical artists of all time and has been credited with redefining musical genres, such as R&B and hip hop.

He was inclined towards music from a young age and was encouraged by his high school music teacher to pursue his musical interest. As a teenager, he started performing in the streets and formed his own musical group with some of his friends. He got a breakthrough when his group won a television talent show, which in turn, provided him with enough money to launch a musical career. He soon broke off from the group and embarked on a highly successful solo career. As of 2019, Kelly has sold more than 75 million records worldwide. In spite of his success, he remains a controversial figure because of his involvement in sex crimes. In February 2019, he was indicted on 10 counts of criminal sexual abuse. In July 2019, he was arrested on federal charges for sex crimes and obstruction of justice. Kelly faced 18 federal counts, including kidnapping, child pornography, and forced labor.

He has produced one of the best selling songs in the history US. Working with the likes of Rick Ross in the process. Currently he's a sex offender convict and will have to stay behind bars for at least 30 years.

Childhood & Early Life

R. Kelly was born on January 8, 1967, in Chicago, Illinois, USA. He and his three siblings were raised by their mother Joanne in the Baptist church, where she served as the lead singer of the choir.

The family lived in poverty and struggled to make ends meet. Kelly started singing as part of the church choir when he was eight.

He had a very difficult childhood as he was often sexually abused by a woman. In his 2012 autobiography ‘Soulacoaster,’ he had penned down his experience and the reason why he never told about his ordeal to anyone. When he was 11, he was shot in the shoulder while riding his bike home.

He had an untreated learning disability, which made it difficult for him to read and write. Eventually, he had to drop out of high school.

He studied at the ‘Kenwood Academy’ in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood. He was an athletic young boy and played basketball for his high school team. However, his music teacher Lena McLin, who had recognized his musical talent, advised him to leave the sport and focus on music.

He was very close to his mother, who took him to church and clubs where she performed. She died of cancer in 1993.