Musicians Bring Hope, Camaraderie to 54th Telethon of Stars

The Lions Club of Paducah and WPSD Local 6 have gathered a great line up of national and local musicians and entertainers for the 54th Annual Telethon of Stars — one of the longest-running, locally produced telethons in the country.

This year’s event begins at 10 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 13, and concludes at 1 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 14, at the Carson Center.

Beneficiaries: Easter Seals West Kentucky in Paducah, T.L.C. of Southern Illinois in Carterville, Community Developmental Services in Martin, Tenn. and Easter Seals Southeast Missouri. All four centers serve clients with differing abilities and special needs.

Clients served by the centers will share their stories throughout the 15-hour free show, which is open to the public.

Here’s a look at the line up of talent:

Steve Wariner
Few in Nashville, or anywhere else, are as envied on so many levels as Steve Wariner. He has been acclaimed for his guitar prowess, his heartfelt singing, his expert producing and his hit songwriting. Steve’s lengthy recording career began with the kindness and vision of Chet Atkins and thus began the journey Steve took with Chet and RCA Records. After seven years with RCA and hits such as “All Roads Lead to You” and his remake of Luman’s “Lonely Women Make Good Lovers,” Steve Wariner moved to MCA Records and stardom

Neal E. Boyd
From Sikeston, Mo., Neal E. Boyd captured the hearts and votes of millions of fans when he appeared as a contestant on the wildly popular NBC show “America’s Got Talent” — and won. A struggling singer who has overcome a lifetime of setbacks, his journey is a true story of triumph over the odds, finding mega success in the unlikeliest of places.  But when Neal discovered opera by chance one day, a whole new world suddenly opened up to him. “Succeeding has been my chance to show my family, friends, and community what is possible. That has been the ultimate challenge for me,” Neal says. “Moving forward, my goal is that my voice and my own story help people realize that if they work hard enough, they can realize their own dreams.

Kevin Skinner
From Dublin community of Graves County near Mayfield, Ky., Kevin Skinner is the winner of Season 4 of “America’s Got Talent. Kevin is a graduate of Graves County High School. He began playing the guitar when he was 12 and has been playing, writing and singing his songs ever since. His debut CD, “Long Ride”, containing 10 original songs, was released last March. Kevin has opened for George Jones in Indiana and headlined Freedom Fest in Murray in July this year with Sierra Hull and Highway 111 as the opening act

Diamond Dave Somerville
Returning for his second Telethon of Stars appearance will be Diamond Dave Somerville, the Original Lead Singer of The Diamonds. From 1955 to 1961, Diamond Dave’s lead voice defined the sound of “The Diamonds” on all their timeless hits from the classic “Little Darlin’” to “The Stroll,” “Silhouettes” and “Why Do Fools Fall in Love.”  After charting with 16 hits in Billboard, The Diamond were honored with Canada’s prestigious Hall of Fame Juno Aware for their “contribution to international music.”

Nathan Herron
From Nashville, Nathan Herron travels across the United States with his gospel music. After leading worship at his home church, Nathan began his traveling music evangelism after spending time as one of the 20 male finalists on Season 4 of “American Idol.” After being one of eight finalists on “Can You Duet” on CMT in 2008, Nathan’s popularity grew and made his music his full-time career. He now travels to churches, youth camps, high schools, colleges and even prisons in scripture testimony and song in hopes of furthering God’s Kingdom.

Mark Hapka and Shelley Hennig
This year from NBC’s “Days of our Lives” are Mark Hapka and Shelley Hennig, who play Dr. Nathan Horton and Stephanie Johnson. Mark was born and raised in upstate New York and attended college in Syracuse, where he studied music education and was a vocal major. He has starred in the hit TV series’ web-spin off, “Ghost Whisperer-The Other Side,” where he played a ghost who crosses over into the TV series to seek the help of Melinda Gordon (Jennifer Love Hewitt). He has also guest starred on other hit TV shows such as “Greek,” “Hannah Montana” and “Cold Case.” Shelley, a native of New Orleans, grew up dancing with aspirations of performing on a larger stage. She won Miss Teen 2004. And in 2007, she was cast in “Days of our Lives.” Her current ambitions are to land TV guest-starring roles and begin acting in films.

Reggie LaFaye
Saxophonist Reggie LaFaye grew up in St. Louis, declaring his love of music after watching the musical intro to Peter Seller’s The Pink Panther. A self-taught musician, Reggie finds inspiration from Stan Getz, Bennie Goodman, Charlie Parker, David Sanborn and Tom Scott. Reggie has produced four Christian albums and a Christmas album. His latest work, My Passion, is a culmination of 47 years of musical passion that exposes the depth of joy, pain, peace and new beginnings.

Terry Mike Jeffrey
Terry Mike Jeffrey and his Band are regular performers on the Telethon of Stars. He had to miss last due to a scheduling conflict, but brings his music back this year. Terry was born in Paducah and was singing at the age of 3. Throughout his childhood and school years, he made records, TV commercials, jingles and played the lead in his senior play at Reidland High School. Terry is a singer, Emmy-nominated songwriter, entertainer, multi-instrumentalist, musical director, arranger and actor. Terry has been fronting his own band since the ‘70s and has performed all over the planet.

Eric Horner
Eric Horner blends a sweet country melody with ministry music. Following 9/11, he wrote and recorded “We Will Stand,” and donated the single’s proceeds to the Staten Island Victim’s Relief Fund. A native of Paducah, Eric studied guitar under fellow Paducah native Steven Curtis Chapman, and the two performed together in a local gospel group. With 17 albums under his belt, Eric is a well-seasoned Christian recording artist.