RACVB’s ‘Stay Home Songs’ Songwriting Contest Winner Announced

A panel of some of Rockford's most gifted songwriters and musicians have chosen a song  so catchy, you won't be able to stop singing it.

The Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (RACVB) announced the winner of their 'Stay Home Songs' songwriting contest. The bureau was looking for a song that embodied the resiliency of the Rockford area. The judges panel included Jodi Beach of the Jodi Beach Trio, Vince Chiarelli of The Vince Chiarelli Band, Miles Nielsen of Miles Nielsen and The Rusted Hearts and more.

Out of 25 songs that were submitted, the panel chose a fun and very catchy song.

Up, Up, Up, written by Rockford native Clark Kelly. Clark grew up in Rockford but now calls Nashville, TN home.

"Although I have spent much of my adult life in Nashville, as a hometown boy I’ve always been proud of my Rockford roots,” Kelly said. “This songwriting contest from RACVB was the perfect opportunity for our creative community to showcase the resiliency of Rockford. My hope is that the song I wrote affirms the hard work and pride of Rockfordians, as well as the continued rise of our great city." (Clark Kelly)

Clark signed with Sony/ATV, which represents many top artists including Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran. As a performing artist, Clark has opened for Panic at the Disco and All-American Rejects.