Landau Eugene Murphy Jr., in West Knoxville earlier this summer.
Landau Eugene Murphy Jr., was nearly destitute. He had been working at a car wash and had only one pair of jeans and one jacket in November 2010 when he and his wife left their hometown of Logan, West Virginia, and headed for New York City, where they stood for more than 12 hours outside the Javits Center to audition for NBC’s America’s Got Talent.
Less than a year later, on Sept. 14, 2011, after a performance of “My Way,” a song popularized by Frank Sinatra, Murphy won the $1 million grand prize and began a headlining act in Las Vegas.
Earlier this summer, he appeared in Knoxville at the historic Middlebrook mansion during a benefit called Southern Summer’s Night, a fundraiser for The Hope Center at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. The Hope Center provides, at no charge, caring support and assistance to all individuals and families living with HIV. Inpatients, outpatients, people relocating to this area or newly diagnosed individuals have a safe, non-stigmatizing place to feel encouraged, valued, and also have a voice.
Also of note, Southern Summer’s Night is one of the best parties of the year. The silent auction items rock. There always is a fun entertainer like Murphy. And to top everything off, fireworks! What’s not to like?
If you didn’t catch Murphy on America’s got Talent (as I had not), the surprise is that coming out of the mouth of this cool, dreadlocked African-American guy is the voice of Frank Sinatra! No kidding. He is absolutely amazing. Don’t believe me? Check out this YouTube video of him performing that very song during the finals for the show.
OK, back to the party.
Covenant Health CEO Tony Spezia and his wife, Sharon. The Hope Center is a part of Covenant Health.
From left, Tim Young, Alan Carmichael and Jeff Cupp enjoying the silent auction.
Although David Butler, executive director of the Knoxville Museum of Art, also seemed to be enjoying the auction. This motorcycle was to be part of the live auction.
Here’s a very unusual auction item!
Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero with Ralph Cianelli, left, and Rick Fox, the proprietors of Middlebrook.
Rock and Debby Saraceni with Alan Carmichael, at right. Debby is with Covenant Health.
From left, Xena Wilson, Tim Holder and Gary Young. Gary is with Covenant Health.
Sherry Jenkins, left, and Renee Repka
Willene Chalmers and Rick Fox
Bart Weaver, left, and Jim Landreth
Tasha Blakney, left, and Caroline Rogers
From left, Stewart Lusk, Chris Davis and Rene Yanes.
Susan Arbital dresses to match the party invitation every year! Clever.
From left, Tony and Sharon Spezia, Nancy Harrison, Missy Kane and Bill Roberts.
Sandi Swilley, left, and Nazzy Hashemian
Sharon Lord, left, and Pat Ball, a former Knoxvillian who was visiting from Texas.
Shirley Elder and auctioneer Bear Stephenson
Joe and Melissa Blanchard, center, with Rick Fox, left, and Ralph Cianelli.
Hahaha!
State Sen. Becky Duncan Massey, left, and Mary Fran Darwin. (And a photo bomber!)
Jackie Wilson and Bob Valentine
Dean and Amber Littleton
Eddie Mannis, left, and David Butler
Jeannie Dulaney, left, and her daughter, Allison Dulaney
Alaine McBee and Laura Wallace
From left, Jaime Bagwell, Michelle Hardin and Tim Young
Judith and Michael Foltz
Ginny and Bill Morrow with Missy Kane, right
Lucille Griffo and Lee Turner
Madge and Barry Cleveland
Mark and Cathy Hill
Mary Fran Darwin, left, and Jenny Hines with entertainer Landau Eugene Murphy Jr., before he took the stage.
Melissa Williamson, left, and Angie Riedl
From left, Nancy Brennan Strange, Rosa Mar and Gay Lyons
Rick Fox with Jeannie Gillian
The evening’s emcee, Dino Cartwright, introducing the auction part of the evening.
Landau Eugene Murphy Jr., in performance.
And then . . .
They were beautiful this year.
Well, you get the idea!
I think this pregnant lady got the most perfect auction item ever!
Great photos. I have wondered what happened to Pat Ball. What is she doing now?
Hey, Georgiana: She’s a hospital consultant living in the Dallas area. Here’s a link to her LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=94685228&authType=NAME_SEARCH&authToken=wW8I&locale=en_US&srchid=229750631405530625420&srchindex=3&srchtotal=188&trk=vsrp_people_res_name&trkInfo=VSRPsearchId%3A229750631405530625420%2CVSRPtargetId%3A94685228%2CVSRPcmpt%3Aprimary
Another great Southern Summer’s Night. Great entertainment and great fireworks show. Auction won over Cynthia again.
This party is always fun, fun, fun.
Gay: You are so right! It just attracts such a fun crowd. (And I always love a party that involves fireworks!)
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