Shelby

What this episode covers

While she may be petite in stature, Shelby Lentz has a voice that will fill any venue. Shelby's talent was recognized at an early age and by fourteen, she was singing the National Anthem at local sporting venues, performed for the first time at the Wild Bull Saloon and earned over 100,000 votes in Bob Kingsley's Future Star online competition. It would not take long before she was grabbing the attention of others in the industry and at just fifteen she opened at The State Theater in Kalamazoo for Warner Music artist, Frankie Ballard. It was also about this time that she began collaborating with local song writers on original music as well. She went on to also open for former American Idol finalist, Matt Giraud, as well as international recording artist, Joanne Shaw Taylor. Shelby spent two years pursuing music in Nashville, Tennessee where she attended Belmont University and worked at the Grand Ole Opry. She recorded two studio EPs while in Nashville and performed on Broadway at the famous Tootsies. Her second EP, entitled “Unbroken” features a song called “Champion” Lentz co-wrote with her friend, Jessica Kellie Adams, inspired by Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa films. After the diagnosis of Huntington’s Disease in her family, and being recently diagnosed herself, she began her own nonprofit, “Champions for HD” to help aid research as well as other local families struggling with this disease. This was named in honor of her song “Champion” that is now recognized as an HD power anthem and part of her musical proceeds go back to Champions for HD to further the fight against Huntington’s. Shelby performs a mixture of songs that delight all audiences of all ages. There is no doubt that this little girl packs a powerful punch as an experienced entertainer.

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