Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. Swings by Athens

By Jacob Betzner on September 23, 2012

The winner of the sixth season of the popular NBC show “America’s Got Talent” opened Ohio University’s “Performing Arts Series” for the 2012-2013 school year on Friday night.

Based in Logan, West Virginia, a relatively short two and a half hour drive south of Athens, Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.’s incredible journey to stardom started in 2010 after an audition in New York City.

Before emerging as a star on AGT, a homeless Murphy earned money by washing cars.

From flikr, by wvslc2012

A whirlwind of a summer later, Landau awed the crowd with a near perfect version of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” and edged young opera singer Jackie Evancho to win the competition.

Murphy embarked on a national tour as part of a the grand prize and recorded a debut album.  “That’s Life” debuted at at the top of the Billboard Jazz Albums Chart and crept into the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Murphy decided to swing into Athens on the recommendation of a member of his band who served as a faculty member in the music department at the university.

“He has told me that it’s a wonderful university, but I’d like to get down there and get a good look at the students,” said Murphy.

However, Murphy visited the campus a short time ago for a very different reason.

“I came to visit Ohio University once before, I guess about four or five months ago,” said Murphy.  “I was taking my son on a road trip to visit different colleges.”

Imagine seeing the crooner on Court Street during “Dad’s Weekend” next year.  Unreal.

Despite a younger crowd probably unfamiliar with “Ol’ Blue Eyes” and the Rat Pack, Murphy expected a good show and an excited crowd.

“I got a fan base from kids to older adults,” said Murphy.  “It’s pretty much the same everywhere I go.  I pretty much make everyone have fun when they show up and just have a good time.”

He didn’t plan on changing his act either.

“You know, basically just seeing a 20-piece orchestra band playing behind Landau,” said Murphy.  “You know, nothing spectacular about it, but it is a good show and people want to hear it.”

Another memorable show for the “America’s Got Talent” winner.  “That’s Life” for Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr.

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