| Featured Artist of the Month |
| May 2009 |
| ~ ~ Cutter Elliott ~ ~ |
| The "kid in black" arrives for his performances toting a guitar in a black case wearing a black shirt, black slacks, black boots, and in cold weather a black duster. If you didn't know any better you would think he rode a horse to the show! With admiration and respect, Cutter makes it clear that he walks in the shadows of his idol, Johnny Cash. Cutter was introduced to Cash's music before he could walk or talk. As a youngster, Cutter's "paw paw" would sing Johnny Cash songs to him. He loved every minute of it. At age 4, he started performing! He became known as the "kid in black" all over Oklahoma. And his Mom, Debbie, says she started getting calls for the "kid in black"! In 2006, at the age of 10, Cutter and his family heard about the CMSA. By this time he had already been performing at various venues and had received recognition and awards for events such as The United Way Celebrity sing, Wizard of Oz, Sound of Music, Bye Bye Birdie, Good News and other productions. In addition to these, he had also made appearances in commercials and TV shows. It definitely looks like Johnny Cash and the stage are Cutter's World! Cutter's second decade of life has only intensified his determination to walk in the shadow ofJohnny Cash. Since he joined the CMSA in 2006, he's added the following awards to his portfolio. 2007 local, state, and national winner in "male traditional country youth 7-12" 2007 vocolist of the year and entertainer of the year 2008 local and state winner in "male traditional country youth 7-12" 2008 national entertainer of the year and most promising vocalist He continues to perform at the Sooner State Theatre in Norman, the Oklahoma Opry, the Rodeo Opry, and other places, including Toby Keith's "I Love this Bar and Grill"! He and his buddy, Cameron Newby have put on a show there called "Cameron and Cutter Unleashed". Cutter attends school at Whittier Middle School in Norman, OK. Would it surprise you to know that he's on the Honor Roll? This young man is focused, sincere, and ready to accomplish the goals he has set for himself. His True love is singing and learning all the trivia he can about traditional country artists. But especially about Johnny Cash. His shelves are lined with books, CD's, and videos about Johnny Cash. These have all contributed to his vast knowledge of this music legend. Cutter's Uncle once challenged a guide of a fishing trip to try to name a Johnny Cash song that Cutter didn't know the lyrics to. The guide failed to do so! Cutter's current focus is on the part of Johhny's life that not many people know about, his Gospel music and his turn to religion. One thing that Cutter claims he and Johnny have in common is thier desire to see all mankind succeed, as the lyrics from the " man in black" clearly state. Cutter is fascinated by Johnny's story, from his continued struggles, through his fame, his gospel turn, and all the way to Johnny's returning home to June. In the last couple of years, Cutter has branched out to perform the country music of legends such as Merle Haggard, George Jones, Conway Twitty, and others. The Country Music Singers Association is proud to feature Cutter Elliot this month! |
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