Landau Murphy beats the odds

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

American songbook crooner Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. will perform in concert Friday at Stambaugh Auditorium, and he also will speak at a pre-show banquet.

His appearance is part of the annual Diversity Leadership Recognition Celebration, sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs at Youngstown State University and Walmart.

The evening is a fundraiser that benefits the Diversity Leadership scholarship at YSU. The theme of this year’s celebration is “The Changing Face of Poverty.”

Murphy was the winner of television competition show “America’s Got Talent” in 2011.

But before the smooth singer became a successful entertainer, he had to overcome the hardships of his own disadvantaged circumstances.

Murphy grew up in Logan, W.Va., where he would sing to pass the time while working at a carwash.

He showed up to audition for the NBC show wearing the only nice clothes he owned.

During his performance on “AGT,” Murphy moved the judges with the story of his homelessness and his determination to succeed for his family. His vocal interpretations of classics by Cole Porter, Dean Martin, Sinatra and others helped him walked away with the million-dollar grand prize.

Murphy used his television victory to launch a career as a singer that has seen him perform on three continents. His debut CD, “That’s Life” (2011), reached the top spot on the Billboard jazz chart.

He also has raised more than a million dollars for children’s and homelessness charities through his holiday CD, “Christmas Made for Two” (2013), and personal appearances.

Murphy also co-authored with Rick Robinson a book chronicling his success story titled “Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.: From Washing Cars to Hollywood Star.” It debuted at No. 1 on the Amazon.com jazz book chart.

Murphy will release his third album this year. It will include his own take on pop standards, updated versions of classic R&B tracks and — for the first time — some of his original compositions.

Despite his fame, Murphy hasn’t forgotten his roots. He still lives in his home state of West Virginia.

“West Virginia will always be my home,” he said in a press release, “and home and family are the most important thing in the world to me. I can always fly out to LA or New York for work, but being here in West Virginia helps keep me humble and grounded. I’m just very fortunate to be living my dream.”

In between tour dates and appearances, Landau enjoys spending time at his modest home tucked away in the West Virginia hills. “I’ve got my little home studio, plenty of room for my family and a big, beautiful mountain behind me,” he said. “I’m so thankful to God every day for giving me these blessings and a bigger stage to perform on.”