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By: Geoff Parker
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
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-
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
Keenan Hegarity