Meet Ma Bell . . . and Sheridan’s Kathy Bell

By STU CLAMPITT

news@readthereporter.com

Sheridan’s own Kathy Bell may be one of the best kept secrets in Hamilton County. She is a singer, songwriter and karaoke DJ whose accolades include two singles that have been downloaded enough to qualify as platinum.

Kathy Bell was born and raised in Indiana. She began singing and playing the piano at the age of 10.

“I began playing in Sheridan where my grandfather was a preacher for 57 years at the Church of God,” Bell told The Reporter. “I went on to band where I played flute and eventually played the big bass drum in band.”

Kathy Bell

Growing up, Kathy joined “The Parsons Family Band” as well as the “Spiritual Praise Band.” It was there that she played the keyboard and sang harmony.

While music has always been a part of her life, Bell said her real dream was to be on stage.

“I always had a desire in my heart to perform and entertain, but I was a little scared and I listened to a lot of the wrong people saying, ’You’re not good enough,’” Bell said. “One day a friend believed in me enough. I had gone through a lot of sickness and when I wrote my first song I was considering checking out. I was starting to write a note about how I was done with life, and that’s where my motto ‘Never too old to dream,’ came from.”

Bell now tries to inspire those who are afraid to chase their dreams.

After years of illness, she finally gained her health back and started going to “Song Fest” in Nashville, Tenn. There she met many songwriters and sang their songs and was inspired to start writing her own.

She said she became determined to work hard and give it all she had to see her dreams come true. She realizes she began late in life, but that does not deter her motivation and drive.

Bell said an old friend talked her into entering a DJ competition in which costumes were a component of the performance. She said she realized people were looking at the costume – the character – rather than at her, and that helped her build the confidence to pursue her dreams of performing.

With some lessons and help from her friend, Bell purchased her first DJ system. It was then that Kattin Round Mobile DJ and Karaoke services was born.

“Kattin Round Music” is now a popular DJ service.

Later, someone introduced Bell to singer, songwriter, producer and sound engineer Bob McGilpin, with whom she has written several songs. They have two platinum recordings, “America She’s Cryin’” and “Freedom Truckers.”

Bell’s friend and creative partner Bob McGilpin, who is a singer, songwriter, producer and sound engineer. (Photo provided)

Bell primarily performs in character as “Ma Bell.”

“I tend to talk about us as two separate people because when I’m in costume I never know what that person’s going to do,” Bell said. “I never know what I’m going to do when I’m in costume. But my goals then are always to bring the audience in to have fun with me. I like to involve them and not just treat them like a crowd, but to make them a part of whatever I’m doing. As an example, I may go out and dance with them.”

Ma Bell sings cover songs as well as songs written by Kathy Bell. While performing she may sing country, rock n roll, or gospel. Ma Bell has performed at live radio shows, fundraisers and other venues.

Kathy Bell continues to write and record in Nashville, Tenn. She is now working on several new songs she has written and will be back in the recording studio soon.

Some songs that Kathy Bell has written or sang are:

• “Oh, What A Friend”
• “Fishing Blues (Ma Bell’s theme song)”
• “Break the Ice”
• “I Don’t Know and I Don’t Care” – co-written with Danny Hardin
• “Talking to the Wind” – written by Amy Bell
• “Tobakki Barn” – written by Bob McGilpin and Kathy Bell
• “America She’s Cryin’” – a Platinum single with airplay express written by Kathy Bell and Bob McGilpin
• “Freedom Truckers” – written by Bob McGilpin and Kathy Bell and dedicated to the Freedom Truckers Convoy. It is available on Amazon, Spotify, iTunes, CD Baby and YouTube.

Bell said she has accomplished more in her musical career than she ever thought possible. She told The Reporter being able to have friends all over the world and to be given the honor and privilege to sing in the Nashville area means a lot to her.

You can find Ma Bell online at facebook.com/mabellfishingblues.