Discover American Torch
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LA grew up on a humble hobby farm in South Central Missouri, where music culture was limited. The acquisition of a Sear's and Roebuck electric organ sparked a musical passion that had been part of her since birth. The family's mid-century Zenith television opened up the world of live performance to LA through broadcasts including The Lawrence Welk Show, Hee Haw and Sonny & Cher, which she recorded with her blue Panasonic cassette recorder.
Little did she know that in the years to come she would have the opportunity to entertain live audiences like the ones she watched on the old Zenith.
Elementary and high school afforded LA the opportunity to participate in various musical ventures including band and theatre. In her senior year, she led the marching band as drum majorette, a rewarding experience that resulted in many arm bruises as she practiced difficult maneuvers with a large baton. The hard work paid off with the band winning awards at competitions and LA being awarded "Best Drum Major" award at a large parade.
It's been LA's joke for years that she was "once a nun," which wasn't a lie, but wasn't completely factual either. She had the privilege of portraying "Sister Margarita" in the epic musical "The Sound of Music" with Ozark Actors Theatre.
LA's ballroom dance friends were shocked to learn that their crooner was also a competitive athlete. LA discovered Senior Games while living in Western Washington and brought home a few medals while setting the record in the women's free throw competition.
In her new "Silver Locks" capacity, LA is back at work, entertaining audiences in Central Arkansas -- and Nashville -- where this photo was taken in front of a captive audience.
