Belles

Belles
Born
Kelli Rachel Jones

(1999-06-09) June 9, 1999 (age 27)
Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.
OriginNashville, Tennessee, U.S.
GenreCountry
OccupationsSinger, songwriter
InstrumentVocals
Years active2018-present
LabelDeluge Nashville/East Music Row
Formerly ofThe Belles

Kelli Rachel Jones (born June 9, 1999), professionally known as Belles, is an American country music singer. She began her career in 2018 as one-half of the duo the Belles before recording as a solo artist in the 2020s. In 2026, she made her first appearance on the Billboard Country Airplay charts with "Son of Jolene", a duet with Dolly Parton.

Biography

Kelli Rachel Jones was born June 9, 1999, in Omaha, Nebraska. Her mother, Jaymie, founded the pop group Mulberry Lane in 1999. In 2018, Kelli and Jaymie began recording as a duo called the Belles. This name was inspired by a childhood nickname given to Kelli by her sisters. The Belles recorded an independent, self-titled extended play produced by Mickey Jack Cones. This was followed by the duo serving as an opening act for Dan + Shay, Brett Eldredge, and Old Dominion. They also performed as an opening act for JoJo Siwa during her D.R.E.A.M. The Tour until they were replaced in 2022 by XOMG Pop.

Kelli went solo in 2021, also assuming the name Belles in the process. Throughout the 2020s, she released a number of independent singles produced by Ned Cameron. She signed a record deal with East Music Row Records, a division of Deluge Music, along with a publishing contract from the latter company, in September 2024. Belles announced a 19-concert tour in 2026 titled the Songs & Stories Tour. This was followed in April of that year by the release of her single "Son of Jolene", a duet with Dolly Parton. Written by Belles along with Dan Harrison and Tyler Bank, the song is a sequel to Parton's late 1973-early 1974 hit "Jolene". The song was the last new recording released by Parton during her lifetime. Robert K. Oermann of MusicRow reviewed the song favorably, writing that "[t]he scampering track and Dolly’s pinpoint harmony singing are tingling delights."

On the Billboard Country Airplay chart dated September 12, 2026, "Son of Jolene" debuted at number 51. "Son of Jolene" will be included on her debut album, Midwestern, slated for release on October 16, 2026, via East Music Row Records.

Discography

Year Single Peak chart
positions
US Country Airplay
2026 "Son of Jolene" (with Dolly Parton) 48

References

  1. 1 2 Janeen Megloranzo (July 16, 2018). "Exclusive: Getting to Know The Belles". The Country Note. Retrieved September 9, 2026.
  2. ↑ Erica Zisman (January 17, 2024). "Who is Belles? The story behind her journey into country music". Country Swag. Retrieved September 9, 2026.
  3. ↑ Liza Anderson (September 13, 2024). "Kelli Belles Signs Publishing & Record Deal With Deluge Music". MusicRow. Retrieved September 9, 2026.
  4. ↑ Madison Hahnen (March 18, 2026). "Bells to share 'Songs & Stories' on the road". MusicRow. Retrieved September 9, 2026.
  5. 1 2 LB Cantrell (September 9, 2026). "Belles' 'Son of Jolene' collaboration with Dolly Parton impacts radio". MusicRow. Retrieved September 9, 2026.
  6. ↑ "Belles and Dolly Parton's 'Son of Jolene' debuts on Billboard's Country Airplay chart". Billboard. September 4, 2026. Retrieved September 9, 2026.
  7. ↑ Robert K. Oermann (April 30, 2026). "DISClaimer single reviews: Kassi Ashton 'Has Never Sounded Better'". MusicRow. Retrieved September 9, 2026.
  8. ↑ "Billboard Country Update" (PDF). Billboard. September 4, 2026. Retrieved September 9, 2026.
  9. ↑ "Billboard Country Update" (PDF). Billboard. Retrieved September 11, 2026.