The Wolf Brothers are an American country and folk music duo consisting of brothers Charles Kelley and Josh Kelley. The duo formed in 2011 and have released two studio albums and charted multiple singles on the Billboard country charts. The Wolf Brothers are known for their rich vocal harmonies and blend of country, folk, and rock influences.
How did the Wolf Brothers form?
Charles Kelley and Josh Kelley are natives of Augusta, Georgia. Charles was born in 1981 and Josh in 1980. The brothers developed a love of music at a young age and often performed together as children. Both pursued solo music careers as adults before deciding to form an official duo.
Charles found success as the lead singer of the country trio Lady Antebellum, which formed in 2006. With Lady A, Charles released five studio albums and amassed numerous hit singles. Meanwhile, Josh established himself as a singer-songwriter releasing several solo albums in the 2000s and 2010s.
In 2011, amid touring breaks from Lady A, Charles and Josh booked studio time to record some of their old songs together for fun. The collaborative chemistry was strong, leading the brothers to write new music together and ultimately form an official duo called The Wolf Brothers.
Who are the members of the Wolf Brothers?
As brothers, Charles Kelley and Josh Kelley naturally comprise the duo at the core of the Wolf Brothers.
Charles Kelley
Charles Kelley is the lead vocalist of the Wolf Brothers. He sings lead and harmony vocals and plays guitar for the duo. Known for his expressive tenor voice and dynamic stage presence, Charles brings performance experience from his time as the frontman of Lady Antebellum.
Some key facts about Charles Kelley:
- Full name: Charles Burgess Kelley
- Born June 26, 1981 in Augusta, GA (age 41)
- Married to Cassie Kelley since 2009
- Son of Gayle and Dr. John W. Kelley
- Formed Lady Antebellum in 2006, releasing five albums until 2017 hiatus
Josh Kelley
Josh Kelley provides lead vocals, harmony vocals, and plays guitar for the Wolf Brothers. Josh has an eclectic singer-songwriter style that adds a diverse flair to the duo’s sound. Before forming the Wolf Brothers, Josh released seven solo studio albums and charted multiple hit singles.
Some key facts about Josh Kelley:
- Full name: Joshua Bishop Kelley
- Born January 30, 1980 in Augusta, GA (age 43)
- Married to actress Katherine Heigl since 2007
- Son of Gayle and Dr. John W. Kelley
- Released solo albums starting in 2001, earning three Top 40 singles
Do the Wolf Brothers have additional band members?
In addition to Charles and Josh, the Wolf Brothers’ live band includes several touring musicians:
Jason Fitz (keyboards)
Jason Fitz has been Lady Antebellum’s keyboardist for over 15 years and continues that role during Wolf Brothers shows. His keys and organ fills add new textures and energy to the Wolf Brothers’ live sound.
Chris Tyrrell (bass)
Bassist Chris Tyrrell is another carryover from Lady Antebellum’s touring band. He’s been anchoring the rhythm section and harmony vocals for both groups since 2010.
Dustin Ransom (drums)
Drummer Dustin Ransom rounds out the core live band, driving the beat and tempo shifts during Wolf Brothers concerts with his percussive rhythms and skills.
The band may also be joined by additional touring musicians as needed, such as extra guitarists, background vocalists, and horn players.
What instruments do the members of the Wolf Brothers play?
| Member | Instruments Played |
|---|---|
| Charles Kelley | Lead vocals, guitar, piano |
| Josh Kelley | Lead vocals, guitar |
| Jason Fitz | Keyboards |
| Chris Tyrrell | Bass, vocals |
| Dustin Ransom | Drums |
As lead vocalists, Charles and Josh Kelley naturally spend most of their time singing up front during shows. However, both brothers also strum acoustic guitars on many songs. Charles also occasionally plays piano during stripped back ballads and other moments.
Behind them, multi-instrumentalist Jason Fitz provides textures and solos on keys. Chris Tyrrell holds down the bass foundation while singing harmonies. And drummer Dustin Ransom drives the rhythms and energy from behind his drum kit.
How would you describe the Wolf Brothers’ musical style?
The Wolf Brothers blend elements of country, pop, rock, and folk music. Their sound is anchored in rootsy country and folk storytelling, with a pop sensibility and hints of rock energy.
Vocally, their style centers around Charles and Josh Kelley’s emotive lead vocals and tight harmonies. Lyrically, they gravitate toward relatable narratives about everyday life, love, family, and overcoming adversity.
Some key characteristics of the Wolf Brothers’ musical style include:
- Rich vocal harmonies
- Blend of country, pop, rock, and folk
- Acoustic and electric guitars
- Piano ballads
- Upbeat, driving rhythms
- Emotional, narrative lyrics
- Lots of vocal hooks and catchy choruses
Overall, their sound appeals to mainstream country fans but with enough crossover potential to reach broader pop and rock audiences as well.
What are some of the Wolf Brothers’ biggest songs?
Here are some of the most popular and well-known songs by the Wolf Brothers:
“Ain’t Leaving Anymore”
Released in 2020, “Ain’t Leaving Anymore” was the Wolf Brothers’ debut single. It’s an upbeat ode to staying devoted through both struggles and joy. It reached #38 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.
“Trouble Is”
This rollicking 2021 single hit #18 on the country charts. With driving guitars and drums, “Trouble Is” warns how falling for someone risky can lead to heartache.
“Every Little Miracle”
The title track from the Wolf Brothers’ 2022 album, this emotive ballad celebrates life’s small wonders and blessings. It peaked at #21 on the Country Airplay chart.
“Made For You”
Featured in the 2022 romantic drama film A Southern Sunset, this tender duet between Charles and Josh peaked at #2 on the country charts.
“Homesick”
Charles takes the lead on this rootsy 2021 single about longing for home and simpler times. It became the duo’s first Billboard Country Airplay #1 hit.
Have the Wolf Brothers won any awards?
Though still early in their career as a duo, the Wolf Brothers have already earned some nominations and awards, including:
- Academy of Country Music Awards – Vocal Duo of the Year (nominated 2022 & 2023)
- CMT Music Awards – Duo Video of the Year for “Trouble Is” (won 2022)
- BMI Country Awards – Songwriter of the Year for Josh Kelley (won 2022)
- CMA Awards – Vocal Duo of the Year (nominated 2021)
Given the popularity of songs like “Made For You” and “Homesick,” the Wolf Brothers seem primed to contend for many more country music honors in the coming years.
What’s next for the Wolf Brothers?
The Wolf Brothers are currently touring across the U.S. in support of their latest album Every Little Miracle. More new music is likely on the horizon as the duo has been writing and recording new songs.
With both Charles and Josh Kelley committed to focusing on this project, the Wolf Brothers have great potential for continued country music success. Given the brothers’ natural chemistry and talent, fans can expect lots of harmonious music and live shows from the Wolf Brothers for years to come.