News Sentinel readers might know my words, but the neighbors in my apartment building know my voice – though they probably wish they didn’t.
On any given day (especially on the weekends), they’ve heard me sing bubbly Top 40 pop songs, spirited gospel, twangy country, dramatic showtunes and maybe even a rap verse. Sometimes all in the same night. Because I have never lost my voice, these impromptu concerts can go on for a while.
I try to keep it down, to be a good neighbor, so I don’t find a “stop disturbing the peace” note stuck on my door. But it has to come out.
Knoxville’s OG country superstar: How Kenny Chesney led the way for a new generation
Singing feeds my soul. It always has. And it’s something I can’t not do, even on those “not a good vocal day” days. I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember, starting around 3 or 4. My first solos were in elementary school where I also learned the saying that “the show must go on” during fifth grade graduation despite a nasty stomach virus. From sixth grade through my last day of college, chorus class was part of my daily life. Musical theater rehearsals and performances in high school created joyous memories that will stay with me for a lifetime.
Over the years, I’ve realized that the root of my love for performing is a love for sharing stories. It’s about giving voice to deep emotions and the human connection. I have missed performing with an ensemble on stage for an audience. But that love for sharing stories has led to a different kind of stage. Reporting here in Knoxville, also known as the “Cradle of Country Music,” constantly reaffirms my love for music and performance.
For the News Sentinel, I’ve gotten to cover Knoxville’s growing music scene, attend concerts by Morgan Wallen at Neyland Stadium and Kelsea Ballerini at Food City Center, have lovely chats with Emily Ann Roberts and discover unique artists at Big Ears Festival. I was even almost more excited to see Dolly Parton sing “9 to 5” live than interview her for the first time.
Most recently, I was able to share a little bit of Kenny Chesney’s story and how the Knoxville native became the first country superstar of the 21st century and a Country Music Hall of Fame inductee.
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Reporting on artists and performances is not the same as doing the performing, but it keeps me connected to my passion. I know what it feels like to love music so much that it becomes part of your identity, and I love being able to share a piece of that joy with you when a big music act comes to town or when a star from East Tennessee hits a career achievement.
In case you can’t tell, I’m always ready for the next big show! Even if it’s just in my apartment.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email [email protected].
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knoxville music scene keeps Knox News reporter connected to passion
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