After earning a degree in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame, Cletus joined a volunteer service program in Arizona where he worked with "at risk" youths and their families, and also worked at a homeless shelter. During this time, he also focused on guitar playing and song-writing, and performed at coffeehouses, clubs, shelters, and benefit concerts. After having worked as a mental health counselor, high school Ethics/Social Justice teacher, and as a carpenter (all by the time he was 27), Cletus returned to his hometown of Washington, DC and has further dedicated himself to song-writing and pursuing a solo career. He then found himself, delightedly, in a duo with fellow former solo artist Lori Kelley (see the Cletus & Lori link at the top of the page).  Cletus & Lori were delighted to receive the 2004 WAMMIE Award for Best Contemporary Folk Duo/Group.

"Cletus Kennelly wields a mean 12-string acoustic and writes a moving tune…the earnest and true kind." (Eric Brace, Washington Post) "What makes Cletus great is Cletus. He has a way of connecting to the audience directly, and the rich quality of his voice is so effective, he doesn’t need a band behind him." (Ray Ruskin, Kensington Coffee House Concert Series) "Cletus Kennelly is able to pan for nuggets of lyrical gold." (Chris Slattery, Gazette Newspapers)