Published: April 24, 2008 12:28 pm         

Friends of Cumberland Mountain State Park kicks off concert series

Friends of Cumberland Mountain State Park will kick off their Summer Concert Series at Martin Little Theater on June 21.

An Evening with Linda Davis will be held June 16 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15. To order tickets please call Paula Snow at (931) 261-4767.

Linda Davis is a dedicated career woman, consummate entertainer, inspirational motivator, and devoted wife and mother. These are just a few ways to describe the Grammy winning singer/songwriter. She has built a reputation as a world-class entertainer and is considered one of the best female vocalists in the business by some of her most well known peers.

Labeled a 'song stylist,' Davis' unique ability to interpret a song soon made her one of the most sought after session singers in Nashville. She caught the attention of label executives and landed her first record deal with CBS/Epic Records. Davis quickly gained a legion of friends and fans in the music industry, one being superstar Reba McEntire.

"The first time I heard Linda sing was in 1989 when I was listening to songs for my next album. I kept hearing this one particular female vocalist on the demos that just blew me away. It had been a long time since a voice had moved me that way and I just had to find out who she was," said McEntire. McEntire loved Davis' music so much that she invited her to become a featured entertainer on tour with her. Their mutual respect led them into the studio together where they recorded a duet titled "Does He Love You" that went on to become a #1 hit and earn both artists several awards including a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Collaboration.

Davis was later recruited as one of the first artists signed to Dreamworks Records. It was there that she appeared on the soundtrack for the motion picture Black Dog starring Patrick Swayze. She also partnered with another superstar, Randy Travis, to record the song "Make It Through,' which was included in the gold-selling companion CD for the award winning movie "Prince of Egypt."

Through the years, Davis has played to sold-out crowds with the likes of Garth Brooks, George Strait, Reba McEntire and Kenny Rogers just to name a few. Kenny Rogers, a long-time friend and fan, proclaims, "In this business, there are people who can sing and there are singers. Linda Davis is absolutely one of the best singers in the business. I defy you to find anyone who's ever worked with her or heard her sing to disagree with that statement. She is the best."

Davis continues her role as National VP and Nashville Spokesperson for the Muscular Dystrophy Association as well as a number of other philanthropic endeavors. "You have to always give back," she says.

Through her music, motivational messages, inspiration, and encouragement to anyone who crosses her path, giving back is what Davis seems to do best. "I'm a glass half-full kind of girl. I can see the future and I can't wait," Davis said.

On June 16 Davis will teach Stage Performance 101 at the State Park Recreation Lodge. The cost is $100 per student. Six of the students will be chosen to perform at the June 21 Concert at 7:30 p.m. Register for this class by calling Paula Snow at (931) 261-4767. To learn more about the class go to www.lindadavis.com.

The Friends second Summer Concert will be held June 6 at the State Park Amphitheater and will feature Highland Rim Bluegrass Band from Nashville.