Gibson Backstage Heroes: Kathy Kelly, handcrafting your guitars for 50 years

Welcome to “Backstage Heroes,” a brand-new and exclusive series from Gibson TV, shining a light on some of the longest-serving artisans at Gibson craftories in Nashville, Tennessee, and Bozeman, Montana.

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Until now, many of our talented craftspeople have remained behind the scenes, helping to create the Gibson instruments heard on countless hit recordings and stages around the world. From our longest-serving employee to individuals who spearheaded innovations in product development, and other key figures in the Gibson team, Backstage Heroes tells the amazing stories of the people who make your dream Gibson guitars a reality.

In this first episode, we are proud to introduce Kathy Kelly. For more than 50 years, Kathy has helped shape Gibson guitars from within the finishing department at the Gibson craftory in Nashville. This is her story. It began at Gibson in 1975, shortly after Gibson relocated from Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Nashville, Tennessee. First, Kathy was a scuff sander, but she eventually became a member of the finishing department, helping to bring thousands of Gibson guitars to life over the decades—including yours.

Kathy shares fond memories of when Gibson first moved to Nashville with just 50 employees, reveals her thoughts on how the company has evolved over time, and explains why the connection between Gibson and its people means so much to her. From seeing the impact Gibson has had on Music City to reflecting on the moment she was honored with a beautiful Gibson Custom Dove acoustic in recognition of 50 years of service, Kathy’s story is a reminder that the people behind the guitars are the heart and soul of Gibson, and what makes Gibson so special.


???? Related Videos To Watch Next:
▶ Watch Handcrafted in Nashville, TN | Chapter I: Wood: https://youtu.be/sKLex9vQcmw
▶ Watch Gibson TV's The Process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrWaZKKsthk&list=PL7qLGYJiRJ1iUMsYbI8Bze69xQhanONzn
▶ Watch how we craft and spray the iconic sunburst finish on Gibson Acoustic Guitars: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-voMkRG4FOI&list=PL7qLGYJiRJ1iUMsYbI8Bze69xQhanONzn&index=9&pp=gAQBiAQB

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Gibson, the leading iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for over 130 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, Gibson has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships, and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson family of brands includes Gibson, the leading guitar brand, as well as many of the most beloved and recognizable music brands, including @officialepiphone, which has been on every stage since 1873, Kramer, the original Made To Rock Hard guitar brand, MESA/Boogie, the home of tone, and KRK, behind great music for over 30 years, and Maestro, the founder of effects pedals. We are dedicated to quality, innovation, and sound excellence so that music lovers for generations to come will continue to experience music shaped by Gibson.