Kelly: A Father, A Son, An American Quest

by Daniel J. Boyne

An original American sports story about John B. Kelly, the most famous U.S. oarsman of all time, three-time Olympic gold medalist, rags-to-riches millionaire, and father of actress Grace Kelly and champion oarsman Jack Kelly Jr.

304 pages, Paperback

Published June 5, 2012

Reviews

[Chuck Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book about a talented tough Irish family who excelled at rowing and tackling difficult obstacles. Quite a story of the mid 1900’s

[Jim Kelsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a little Philly gem. My father told me many times, the story of Grace Kelly's father,John B. Kelly Sr., and how the Henley Regatta denied him a chance to compete because he was a common "laborer".
This dual bio tells Kelly, Sr's story and notes his drive to rowing superstardom in the early 20th Century. It also tells the story of Kell, John B. Kelly Jr.
It's almost as if he was bred to exact the senior Kelly's revenge on Henley...and buy the way...it worked. Kell won at Henley and medaled at several Olympics.
Any Philadelphian of a certain age will remember Kelly for Brickwork, Dad Kelly's political power, and, oh yeah, Kell's little sister, Grace Kelly.
I had met Kell a couple of times through business and will always remember his impact on the city.
One complaint,. There were several minor misstatements of place and names; most notibly calling famous restaurant owner Toots Shorr as Toots Shor.
Again a little city gem...For Jimmys out of five.