Good morning, Miss Letty, edgar, RH (glad you had a great evening out, rock), barry, Miz Iz, and the rest of the radio audience.
I am so incredibly proud of Shamarr, I've just got to share his story. This young man is not only a single dad but he's also raising the son of his friend who died. He's an up and comer representing the next generation of New Orleans jazz artists. He's a terrific person and a wonderful role model to his young son. Yesterday he was honored to be asked to play the National Anthem at the New Orleans Town Hall held by President Obama.
"If someone would have told me, 'Stay on the right path, do what's right and one day you'll play for the president,' I wouldn't have believed them," Allen said.
But for the 26-year-old New Orleans native, it's very much a reality. He recalled the phone call he got asking him to participate, one he could hardly believe.
"'I need you to play Thursday. First, I need your address and Social Security number.' I was like, 'Who's this?' They said, 'It's Carlos from the White House,'" Allen said. "I said, 'Uh huh. I'll call you later.'"
Here's one his original songs.
Meet Me On Frenchman Street
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8542p5yMJko
Here are the boys performing an original rap sending the message...
ima holla back
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVfkG-rBe1A&feature=related
Standing O, Shamarr!
