Meet Your Kentucky Opry: Jody Conley

Founding member Jody Conley is one of most sought after keyboard players in the region, both on stage and in the recording studio. He was born in Paintsville, KY and has been playing music for almost 50 years. Jody left the Kentucky Opry in 1994 to pursue other musical interests, including playing with Exile and Rebecca Lynn Howard. In 2007 the Opry welcomed him back to his old spot on piano and keyboards. Other bands Jody has been associated with include The Full House Band, Whited Family, and Breakaway. He is currently the worship leader at Allen Baptist Church in Prestonsburg, where he states it is his “best gig he’s ever had.” Jody’s top musical influences are Billy Joel and Michael McDonald. He states that his favorite part about performing with Billie Jean Osborne’s Kentucky Opry is “looking out in the crowd and seeing all of the smiling faces.” Jody lives in Harold, KY with his wife Teresa. He has 3 daughters, Brandy, Amie, and Jessica, and 3 grandchildren, Lily, Mia, and Jackson.

This is Part 1 of Meet your Kentucky Opry. Look for more bios each week throughout the Spring and Summer. Billie Jean Osborne’s Kentucky Opry Summer Season opens Saturday June 17 at the Mountain Arts Center.

Story provided by: Mountain Arts Center