Lowndes County GaArchives Newspapers.....Leann Rimes Visits Valdosta ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Robert Latimer Hurst November 8, 2003 LEANN RIMES CAPTURES MULTIPLE AWARDS AS PUBLIC REACTS TO HER TALENTS Young Performer Has Been Compared to Patsy Cline, Janis Joplin By Robert Latimer Hurst With a youthful Shirley McClain look and a Patsy Cline voice, LeAnn Rimes has risen as one to be taken seriously as a contemporary musician. Actually, her climb began when she reached two years of age, but it would be at age five when the tot competed in her first talent contest. By seven, she found out all about theatrical disappointment when she lost the choice role of "Annie II"; however, this happening caused her family and the youngster to begin to focus on country music under the record label Curb. It did not take long for her to develop a following and a name recognition. And this writer recently witnessed that strong enthusiasm her followers present when the young star appeared in Valdosta at Wild Adventures. She proved very well what the reviewers have written about her: "a little girl with a big voice." Though the styles and the songs differ, I am wondering if Judy Garland, when first starting out, did not impress her audiences much the same way. Before winning two 1997 Grammys, an accomplishment which included a "Best New Artist," a first honor for a country music performer, the young singer had released an album for a small independent label --when she was 11. This led to her recording her major record debut, "Blue," which shot up to multi-platinum and would become one of her signature songs. This song had originally been written for Patsy Cline before her untimely death. Her "You Light Up My Life: Inspirational Songs" followed closely after the "Blue" recording, earning her that second Grammy for this album, which featured "How Do I Live," which overshadowed Tricia Yearwood's version of the same song. She, then, shared the limelight with other favored country greats, Willie Nelson, Marty Robbins and Buck Owens, followed closely by the album, "I Need You." The American Music Award, three Academy of Country Music awards, a TNN Music City News Award, four Billboard's special "Hot 100" awards and the Country Music Award "Horizon Award" -- all quickly added to this musician's metoric rise to stardom. And not only was she being praised on this shore, but also the British Broadcasting Cooperation's "Rising Star" honor was presented her during this latter 1990s period. Marriage in 2002 to Dean Sheremet and performing at that year's Olympics Opening Ceremony continued to keep her name before the public, and a new album, "Twisted Angel," was released. Touring came next, and a new venture, the writing of her first children's book, "Jag," saw publication, as she moved to Nashville. Honors and acclaims continue to rain upon this young vocalist and writer after she appeared as Connie Francis in a "stunning blue gown of vintage silk taffeta," which also won an award for Designer Chrisi Karvonides as "Outstanding Costumes for a Series" for an episode of "Where the Boys Are." Karvonides had researched carefully what Miss Francis wore, making it quite an honor for Miss Rimes as the selectee for this role. In September, 2003, LeAnn Rimes brought a group of recording executives and their guests to their feet applauding when she "reincarnated" both Janis Joplin and Patsy Cline with her renditions of some of their hit songs, ending this appearance with an a capella version of "Amazing Grace." Rolling Stone Magazine underscores Rimes' talent with a strong comparison of her style with that of Miss Cline's, reputedly one of the classic country music entertainers. But LeAnn's ascent to stardom has only accelerated during the recent year with her duet with Elton John on "Written in the Stars," taken from his Broadway "Aida" production. This would not be her her first involvement with either the legitimate theater or motion pictures. She made an appearance in 2000 in the film "Coyote Ugly," singing "Can't Fight the Moonlight," the major selection from this movie. LeAnn has also appeared with Brandy in the TV series "Moesha" and has served as a celebrity on "Good Morning, America" and a host for the American Music Awards. Even earlier, as her debut entry into films, she starred in the ABC-TV movie, "Holiday in Your Heart," from a book she co-wrote with Tom Carter. It is no secret that her voice, which has also been strongly compared with other child prodigies, such as Tanya Tucker and Brenda Lee, is remarkable, and this entertainer has not hidden the fact that she wishes to capitalize on her talent beyond the country music realm with music selections that would appeal to those who follow Britney Spears, Desmond Child and the Backstreet Boys. With all of these successes and others not mentioned in this capsule feature, LeAnn Rimes should be ready for retirement, but she is just getting started. "I don't let it all go to my head. It could all disappear overnight. So I keep reminding myself of that and how hard I've worked to get here," Miss Rimes says as she hurries off to her next performance, in a well-fitted sequin gown, hiding any little girl image that once was her trademark, and, very possibly, eyeing another award.