Leah Pritchard and The Drive

by Michael Butler

Tallassee's own, Leah Pritchard is "Kowaliga Idol." Ala the "American Idol," Leah won a contest in Alex City among several performers to proclaim the title.
She comes from the Jerry Cunningham music program at Tallassee High School. She is currently attending Central Alabama Community College on a music scholarship. Jerry leads a choir class there in Alex City. Leah is a member.
"She is very open to instruction and easy to work with," Cunningham said. "She has a great disposition. You want to see her do well. She's consistent and gives her best everytime. She's a real sweetheart."
Leah is not only a singer, but a songwriter too. Two of her singles, "Mason Jar," and "Finally the Weekend," have been recorded and produced in the studio. Leah's first CD is expected to be complete in a few months.
Leah thought she might take the road of trying to be a pop star like most musicians her age. "I have so much more of a background with country music," she said. "I've grown up listening to it." Leah lists some of her country music influences as: Miranda Lambert, Randy Travis, Sammy Kershaw, Wynonna Judd, Carrie Underwood, John Conlee, Tanya Tucker and Faith Hill.
Leah attended a seminar last year at Troy University on "How to Get a Record Deal." Tallassee Mayor George McCain taught the session featuring several executives from Nashville. "Leah was inspired. She is ambitious. I'm convinced she'll become a significant part of the music industry," he said.
In addition to her performances in the choir, Leah has sung in front of audiences at the Tallassee Street Dance and the Chamber of Commerce's Trade Day. "It's a lot different when you're up there by yourself, unlike being in the show choir," Leah said.
Leah will be a V.I.P. guest at the Sticks Country Festival next month in Auburn. She is a big fan of Trace Atkins, who is scheduled to perform. "I'll probably pass out when I see him," Leah said.

- Tallassee Times