New Artist Spotlight: Lauren Lucas
By Gary Voorhies
Lauren Lucas got started on her music career when she was 3-years-old. By 7, she had debuted on the Grand Ole Opry. While still in her mid-teens, she established her first Country band, made a follow-up appearance on the Opry and won Teen magazine's "Superface Search." At 16, Lucas had a production and publishing deal with Sony ATV/Tree in Nashville.
As a youngster, Lucas gave a performance at a fundraiser for Palmetto Place Children's Shelter. That led to the formation of Kids A.C.T. (Kids Accepting Challenges Today) in 1993, with the mission of inspiring young people to take positive actions in their communities. When Lucas went on to win the Almay Fresh Future essay contest, she donated the award money to Palmetto Place and Kids A.C.T.
After graduation, Lucas moved to Music City to study music at Belmont University. There, she wrote "Take You For A Ride," which was included in the Broadway musical "Urban Cowboy" and resulted in a Tony Award nomination.
Lucas' convictions, passion and powerful voice are featured on The Carolina Kind, her debut album for Warner Bros. Records, produced by Biff Watson.
IN HER OWN WORDS:
Who is your musical hero?
"I don't think I can choose just one. When I was little, my musical hero for vocal styling was Judy Garland. I LOVED hearing her sing 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow.' As I got older, I became a huge fan of Patty Loveless, James Taylor and Wynonna. They're all very different, but equally as soulful."
Which song would you secretly like to cover?
"I don't know how it would go over with a girl singing it, but my favorite Country song when I was a little girl was 'Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler)' by Alabama. That would be a cool song to cover."
What CD is on your stereo right now?
"I just bought Sugarland's album. I saw them live a few nights ago and they blew me away! Sign me up for their fan club! I also have two Jonatha Brooke albums in my car that I keep going back and forth on: Back in the Circus and Plumb. She's one of the most amazing songwriters and the production on her albums is always so unique and well done."
What is your pet peeve?
"I think it's so rude when people try to get on elevators before the other people have finished getting off. It drives me crazy!"
What actor would portray you in a biopic about your life?
"Sandra Bullock would be a good option to play me in a biopic because she's not afraid to be goofy and she's funny in a very intelligent way."
What moment in your life would you relive if you could?
"I think it would be pretty cool to relive the first time I performed on stage so that I could remember what I felt and what I was thinking. I was so small that I don't remember what that moment was like and it's so daunting for some people to think about standing on a stage for hundreds of people, so I would like to know what about that made me love it so much."
Do you have a lucky charm?
"As time's gone by I don't wear it as much anymore, but I used to wear a gold coin as a ring that my grandfather gave me every time I performed on stage. He passed away 14 years ago. He and I were very close."
If you wrote an autobiography, what would the title be?
"Lauren Lucas: Power. Passion. Soul."
When they look back on your life in 50 years, what do you hope people say about you?
"I hope people say that I am a trailblazer as a person, a musician, and a philanthropist."
On the Web: www.laurenlucas.com
® 2005 CMA Close Up News Service/Country Music Association, Inc
August 9, 2005
© Juan Pont Lezica
