Herman Kelly was a prominent figure in the funk and R&B music scene, particularly known for his work with the group Herman Kelly & Life. Based in Miami, Florida, during the late 1970s, the group was part of the TK Records empire, recording for its Alston and Electric Cat subsidiaries. Their most famous track, "Dance to the Drummer's Beat," released in 1978, became a favorite among early hip-hop DJs due to its distinctive funky percussion break and has been widely sampled in various music genres. The track was included in their only album, "Percussion Explosion!" which also featured other notable tracks like "Who's the Funky DJ" and "Do the Handbone." The album and its singles were released internationally, contributing to their global recognition.

Herman Kelly, born in Detroit, Michigan, is a multifaceted artist, serving as a drummer, singer, musician, percussionist, arranger, producer, teacher, playwright, poet, composer, and presenter. He pursued music education at institutions such as the University of Miami, CCS, Henry Ford College, and FIU. Kelly has an extensive catalog of music, with his works being featured in movies, films, and videos. He is also the president of Afterschool Publishing Company, Inc., and actively seeks collaborations and co-publishing deals for his music.