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Monday, 28 January, 2008 0:07 AM
CMA New Artist Spotlight: Angela
Hacker
Photo
by Glen Rose
Warner
Bros. Nashville recording artist Angela Hacker
| By
Bob Doerschuk |
| ©
2007 CMA Close Up News Service |
Battling to the top on
this year's "Nashville Star," Alabama-born Angela Hacker
emerged as a prototype for the modern Country chanteuse: Her voice
was raw, switching from tenderness to gut-wrench passion on a dime.
Onstage she radiated charisma yet resembled the girl next door.
She seemed ready to take on the world, including her brother Zac;
they were the last two contestants standing, but when Angela emerged
as the winner, no one could miss the love and pride that each harbored
for the other.
The dust had barely settled
before Hacker's debut, produced by Nathan Chapman and Tracy Gershon,
hit the display racks. The Winner Is Angela Hacker: Nashville Star
Season 5 is the culmination of a story dating back to childhood
appearances at talent shows and festivals. She and Zac grew up on
a diet of live Country rock, courtesy of their father's band. By
age 13 she was leading her own group and well on her way to a young
life spent selling cars, waitressing and doing whatever day work
had to be done to allow her to play the bar circuit at night.
Hungry for a more fulfilling
creative life, she began writing with James LeBlanc - two of their
songs can be heard on the album - before signing a publishing deal
with Rick Hall Music and auditioning for "Nashville Star."
Her performances, all the way to her showdown with Zac, tempered
a gig-toughened professionalism with the grit one picks up on the
rougher roads through life, not to mention a rich residue of soul
that comes from paying dues around her hometown of Muscle Shoals.
Her gutsy personality
comes into full view through the decision to follow Aretha Franklin
and Barbara Mandrell to the well of "Do Right Woman, Do Right
Man" - and to bring it back with a taste of something that's
already all her own. Forget "Season 5," Hacker is obviously
a winner for many seasons to come.
IN HER OWN WORDS
Who is your musical
hero?
"The Outlaws: Merle, Willie, Waylon and Kris."
What CD is on your
stereo?
"A compilation of originals by me and other writers I know,
studying songs for my next album."
Who is your dream
duet partner?
"My brother Zac and James LeBlanc."
What song do you wish
you had written?
"'I Hope You Dance.'"
On the Web: www.angelahackeronline.net
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