Henley Varner II of McDonough acknowledged that, on the surface, he might appear to have little in common musically with Joe Kelleher of Hampton. Still, Varner said their music catalog is as diverse as their individual backgrounds.
“Expect anything,” said Varner. “If it feels good, we put it out.”

Kelleher Varner released their latest single earlier this month. They have released three pop-rock songs thus far, with plans to unveil three contemporary Christian songs later this year.

“It’s an impromptu collaboration all for the love of music,” said Varner II.

Varner II said the seeds for his partnership with Kelleher were planted in an unlikely fashion.

“We met selling cars together,” said Varner. “He was a sales manager, and I was selling cars. While we were waiting for credit reports, we would just have conversations about music.”

For Varner II, his interest in music began during a church convention when he was a child, watching children playing with drums. He said his grandmother was watching at the time and quickly weighed in.

“My grandmother said, ‘I want him to play the drums,’ and that was it,” said Varner, 36. “Music has always been my journey.”

Varner began honing his musical talents when he was just four years old, when his grandmother bought him his first drum set. He started taking private lessons at age 6, said his father, saxophonist Henley Varner, Sr. “He just grabbed hold to it, and it became a passion,” his father said. “He’s been playing drums ever since.”

Varner II started playing music professionally when he was just nine years old, performing at a church in Jonesboro. He also began teaching music at age 13, with kids at church as his students.

After high school, Varner II attended Clark Atlanta University. He was there for a couple of semesters before joining the Army, where he served as a musician for three years. He then attended Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Varner II said he and Kelleher found common ground in their shared love of music. Varner said their varied backgrounds are essential to their partnership.

“The music is fresh and unique because we’re so different, but we come together doing what we really love,” said Varner II.

Kelleher, 60, has been a songwriter as a hobby for about 40 years — with his musical interests ranging from folk to rock to blues. An acoustic guitar player, he said he never expected to be releasing songs at this stage of his life.

“Henley said he had a studio at his house,” said Kelleher. “We put out a song on YouTube, and it didn’t take but a few months and we had finished about five more songs. Everything we’re putting out now has been through a recording studio. We just write what feels good to us.”

Kelleher said the opportunity to put songs together with Varner II “came out of left field.” He said Varner II’s experience in music production has been “invaluable” in making their dream a reality.

One of Kelleher’s favorite songs that he and Varner have put together is titled “Finding Paradise.” In addition to their own musical expertise, Kelleher said the “jazzy” tune also features Henley Varner, Sr. on saxophone.

“It’s just a walk on the beach,” said Kelleher. “It was really special having Henley do that with his father.”
Varner II said he is excited about the latest chapter in his music career.

“I didn’t know that going into car sales would allow me to meet Joe to make the kind of music that we make,” said Varner. “The music that we make is the kind I’ve been wanting to make for a long time.”

Kelleher Varner’s music is available online at YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.