OUR COUNTY
D. GARY DAVIS
COUNTY MAYOR
Voice of Lee, Bradley County’s Ambassadors of Goodwill
Recently Bradley County citizens learned that the Voices of Lee of Lee University were chosen to compete on the upcoming national television show, The Sing-Off, from NBC and Sony Pictures. I want to congratulate the Voices on this outstanding accomplishment and also express my deep appreciation for the way this talented vocal group has represented Cleveland and Bradley County for the past 15 years.
The Voices of Lee have become this community’s unofficial ambassadors of goodwill. Since their debut at the Dixon Center in 1994, Director Danny Murray and the Voices have traveled the globe giving people a glimpse of Cleveland and Bradley County. They have appeared on Good Morning America, Bill Gaither’s Familyfest and Praise Gathering, and have sung in some of America’s most noted churches. They have been featured at the international "Sing Conference” for a cappella at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, toured Europe with concerts at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris and England’s Ely Cathedral as well as Christmas at the White House. Most recently, they have released a Live Concert DVD with guest appearance by Lee Alum Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts. No matter where they travel the Voices of Lee always represent our community’s character and values to the world.
I have had the privilege of hearing the Voices of Lee in concert several times. They have honored me by singing the national anthem and providing the musical program at two bi-annual Mayor’s banquets. They give of their time as the featured group at the annual His Hands Extended July 4th celebration in Cleveland. They obviously are on a mission of sincere service and sacrifice which comes across during each performance. The Voices strive for excellence in harmony, spirit and performance which includes a unique variety of rich vocal harmonies, including patriotic numbers, jazz and hymns.
NBC’s selection of the Voices of Lee from among several dozen contestants is a testament to their freshness, energy and outstanding talent. I urge everyone to join in supporting the Voices with the same energy and excitement they have displayed in supporting our community since 1994.
This "ultimate a cappella competition" will air on Dec. 14, 15 and 16 and America will be invited to vote for the winner from the final two groups. The competition will end with a live finale on Dec. 21, 2009. If you want to pre-vote just log on to; http://www.nbc.com/sing-off/.
The winner of the a cappella competition will receive a Sony Recording Contract. The seven groups will rehearse and sing today's most popular songs arranged and performed with no lip-synching, no back-up bands and no safety net. They will be judged by a panel of professional experts, as well as the American public, for the title of the nation's best a cappella group. But regardless of where they end up in the competition the Voices of Lee are already winners. They have won the hearts of millions who have seen their DVDs, videos and concerts across the US and around the world.
As Bradley County Mayor I am not only proud of Danny Murray and the Voices of Lee, but of Lee University and all it represents. Our very own liberal arts university is an emerging leader in higher education in the southeast and has become one of the largest private institutions in Tennessee. This is just one more reason why I say "Bradley County is Tennessee at its best.” For more information, visit www.voicesoflee.com