Lilynn Smith
Kelly Alayna poses for a picture.
Troy CCFA alumna Kelly Alayna recently signed with Pure Mosaic Services as an up-and-coming solo Christian music artist.
Although she began singing at a young age, Alayna’s music career accelerated at Troy University, where she studied graphic design with a minor in music industry under the late composer and arranger, Robert Smith.
Alayna credits Smith and the music industry program for much of her success.
“The program teaches you everything from beginning to end; like how a song is born, how to market it within the music industry, and more,” Alayna said. “I think if anybody wants to be a part of the music industry, they need to learn from the music industry program at Troy.
“I’m so thankful I got the opportunity to learn from Robert W. Smith and know him as a mentor and friend. I was involved in the music industry program from its conception, and I took a songwriting class; that’s really where I learned the structure of songwriting from him.”
While at Troy, Alayna was a majorette in the Sound of The South and a flute player in the university’s highest concert ensemble. She met her husband Nick, who pursued a career in music education, through the Sound of The South.
After graduating in 2007, she and her husband moved to Panama City, Florida, where they joined a church. There, she met Cori, and the duo quickly became Cori and Kelly, a touring Christian-country duo.
Together, the two produced music for over a decade and earned two number one spots on the top 100 Christian Country charts and were named “Duo of the Year” at the Inspirational Country Music Association Awards.
In 2023, Kelly Alayna began her solo career as an artist in Nashville, Tennessee, and she started the “Kelly Alayna Music School” after three years as a music educator for the Jeff Davis County school system.
“There is nothing like being able to express yourself through music and sharing that gift with others,” Alayna said.
Alayna wants to give advice to anyone wanting to pursue a dream.
“I’m just so thankful for the opportunity that God just creates for us, you know,” Alayna said. “If anybody is scared to just go for a dream or go for something, just know that you’re never too old, and it’s never too late.
“It just requires stepping out in faith a lot of times, so if there’s a dream, and you know in your heart, you just got to go for it.”
Alayna’s newest single “Take Me Back to Church” will be available to listeners on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music and YouTube on Feb. 7.
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