Times Georgian- 2016-07-20 - welcome home revised

[ ful songwriter workshops around the country and there is even an ASCAP in Atlanta,” LeBlanc stated. Born in Hawaii, but now living in Douglasville, Keenan Hegarity is a local entertainer who performs at various venues like Dockside Marina in Fairfield

The New Breed Of Singer/Songwriters In West Georgia

By: Geoff Parker

skill-carpentry-and I still make and sell furniture. Young singers have to concen- trate on their craft no matter what, and with the changing methods of receiv- ing royalties today (Spotify, ITunes, Reverbnation, Streaming), you have to be educated and aware of your rights. Both BMI and ASCASP have wonder-

In the mid 1970’s, Lenny LeBlanc and Pete Carr released a song entitled “Fall- ing,” which eventually became one of Billboard Magazine’s all-time greatest hit singles. Now, LeBlanc resides in Flor- ence, Alabama, home to several renown songwriters, and nearby Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, now on the U. S. Na- tional Register of Historic Places. LeBlanc, a notable Christian artist, has spent decades refining his music but his overall success did not come easy. “I was fortunate to play bass and sing background vocals on LP’s by The Supremes, Amy Grant, Roy Orbison. Hank Williams Jr., and Ricky Skaggs, among others,” said LeBlanc. “When I decided to give my life to the Lord and go out on my known, my income went south as well. I did not appreciate the church music of that era, so not only was I changing my music genre, I was more interested in Christian music that I could relate to,” added LeBlanc. Today, LeBlanc performs his music around the world and has penned songs for other artists as well. Over the years, LeBlanc and I have often discussed the plight of current art- ists, especially budding singer/songwrit- ers. “I still remember when I had to find a way to put food on the table for my family after I changed my direction to Christian music. Luckily, I had another

Keenan Hegarity

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