Herston, Kelso
Kelso Herston, a Florence, Alabama native with over forty successful years in the music industry. He played on sessions for over two hundred different artists, producing over fifty top recording artists, publishing over one hundred songs and being responsible for over five thousand nationally acclaimed jingles.
In 1956, Herston joined with James Joiner and Walter Stovall to establish Tune Records & Publishing in Florence, Alabama. Numerous musicians, writers and singers who went on to national fame got their start at Tune, among them, Rick Hall, Billy Sherrill, David Briggs, and Jerry Carrigan.
Kelso moved to Nashville and with a reputation as an outstanding guitar player, quickly became one of the top session players. He represented Sam Phillips' and Shelby Singleton's publishing, before being tapped by United Artists to open their first Nashville office and serve as Vice President. Herston signed Del Reeves to the United Artists label in 1965 and produced some of his early records, including "Girl on the Billboard.” By the late-60's he was heading up Capitol Records and established them as the leader in the country music industry.
Kelso became Music Director for the CBS television show "Hee Haw.” Throughout his career, Kelso was responsible for producing some of country music's legendary artists including Sonny James, Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, George Jones and The Oak Ridge Boys.
In 1971, Kelso started a full-time jingle business (Jangle Jingles, Inc). It soon became one of the largest and most sought after music suppliers, providing commercials for some of the largest companies in America, including 7-Up, Sterling Beer, Libby’s, Quaker Oates, Sears Roebuck, Hams Beer and Uncle Ben’s Rice. Kelso has received over fifty Diamond and Clio awards for his outstanding jingles.
