A judge has granted embattled R&B star R. Kelly [ tickets ] permission to play several concert dates in the coming weeks, including a run of five headlining shows in August.

Kelly hasn't been allowed to leave the Chicago area without a judge's OK since his indictment a year ago on charges of child pornography. He has been free on bond since then.

Despite his legal troubles, Kelly's musical career has continued to thrive. His latest solo album, "Chocolate Factory," has sold more than 2 million copies since its February release, including more than a half-million in its first week, according to industry sources. It currently sits at No. 30 on The Billboard 200 album chart.

Kelly's itinerary--his most extensive since his indictment--includes a Saturday (7/19) performance in Las Vegas and a special appearance at a July 29 radio-station talent show in Chicago. He's also scheduled to appear at the Detroit Music Festival on Aug. 1, and at the V100 Jam 4 Peace festival in Milwaukee on Aug. 9.

The discovery period for Kelly's impending trial reportedly is nearing an end, and the singer/songwriter/producer reportedly is due back in court on Sept. 26 for a status conference.

Kelly releases his first greatest-hits album, titled "The 'R.' in R&B Collection Volume 1," on Sept. 9. It will feature his latest single, "Thoia-Thoing," which recently shipped to radio.

Among the album's other tracks are "Bump N' Grind," "Your Body's Callin'," "Down Low (Nobody Has to Know)," "When a Woman's Fed Up," "I Wish" and "I'm Your Angel" (featuring Celine Dion).