Kelly's urge to leave Reed's band also stemmed from his desire to adapt his blues playing to the perceived tastes of a particular audience. With regard to the latter point, Kelly has said, "If the older folks come in, I want to take them back to the Delta blues.
Kelly's decision to leave Reed's band was influenced by his desire to adjust his blues style to appeal to a particular demographic. In Kelly's words, if an older audience is present, he strives to transport them back to the authentic Delta blues.