...who won last year? The year before? The dog act never even got a Letterman booking? The mediocre country singer got dropped after one album?
One of the more memorable winners is Landau Eugene Murphy Jr., who certainly benefitted from the novelty factor...a black guy in dreadlocks singing Sinatra-type lounge tunes. He's written a slim (128 pages, plus photo section) book that had me asking him the most basic question: "Why now?"
"I got an offer to write the book right after I won," he admitted, "but I got super-busy. I've been on tour for the past three and a half years!"
While it's doubtful most winners have done much in the years after their big splash (ventriloquist Terry Fator would be an exception, doing well in Las Vegas), Murphy has the advantage of a universal appeal (swingin' lounge music didn't die with "Old Blue Eyes") and great charm. Although the tax man took half of the million dollars, he quickly earned it back through touring and his initial album deal. "After being on the road I got back up to a million dollars again. That's not what reallly matters…it's the smiles on peoples' faces. I work a lot for charity..." That includes everything from the Heart-to-Heart Foundation to the homeless of West Virginia, where he still proudly lives. His book talks a great deal about the little town of Logan, and most of the chapters simply give the reader a vicarious thrill...imagine the excitement of appearing on the show...reaching the finals...having a parade in your honor...doing your first professional recording session...
Titled "From Washing Cars to Hollywood Star," the book does indeed mention some of the bad breaks and poverty of his early years, but it's not a sad tune heavy with strings bringing everything down. The tone is upbeat, the message more along the lines of any traditional "inspirational" volume. Landau also side-steps any vivid pictures of crime in the Detroit area (where he lived for a while) and there's even a kind of sweet take in recalling his poverty: "I learned how to make a syrup sandwich when we didn't have nuch else to eat." He doesn't swell on the problems of failed relationships that involved kids. The important thing, in the latter case, is that he was able to provide for them, and the enduring message is about the importance of family (he has a successful marriage now) friends...and even getting along with strangers. The book is, after all, dedicated not to wife, kids or parents or pales but "To the people from the great state of West Virginia (and especially the citizens of Logan).
The excitement and preparation for "America's Got Talent" had an unexpected effect on Landau Murphy. It just plain wore him out. Before his final performance, he "went to the Green Room, curled up on the couch, and went to sleep. I heard later a couple of the acts complained I was sleeping in the Green Room. Sorry guys, but I was tired." That kind of simplicity and humanity keep this admittedly slim volume moving along. It's not strong on touching moments of pathos, or vivid pictures of tragedy or triumph, as much as it's a steady account of keeping to the dream and taking some chances, as we all do, even though usually for a much lesser payday and much fewer people noticing.
It's probably not a surprise to know that most "America's Got Talent" winners simply have good memories and a decent bank account to show for their victory. It might come as a mild surprise to discover that Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. is one of the few (Michael Grimm, a "Billy Joel" to Landau's "Frank Sinatra" would be another) who can use the title "Winner" to get gigs in America and even around the world, and continue to do what they love to do. A lot of times, a book reviewer has to skim through a book due to deadline obligations, but if you do that with a 128 pager, there's something wrong...especially when the book is a pleasant, upbeat journey. You'll go from Logan to Detroit to New York to California to...well, back to Logan...and you'll enjoy the trip.
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