The fifth annual Overdrive-Red Eye Radio Trucker Talent Search received more than 35 entries from talented truckers who love to sing. A panel of judges reviewed all the entries and has chosen a top 10. Over the next couple of weeks, Overdrive will feature each of the top 10 singers in advance of announcing the three finalists who will compete live for first place at The Great American Trucking Show in Dallas in August.
Ken Freeman of Centreville, Mississippi
Company driver, Transport Service Company/Kenan Advantage Group
Has been trucking for 28 years
Song title: “Hold On”
Why did you pick this song? This is an original. My wife is the hardest working human I know. She always tries to do the right thing. But sometimes, when life tries to beat her down, we have to make a run for the ocean. Nothing renews the spirit like salt, air and sunshine. This started out as a “driving” song for her, but quickly morphed into something else. It’s one of my favorites because it always makes her smile. This is for SuzyQ.
How long have you been singing? Back in 1992 or 1993 or so, just through a strange set of coincidences, I wound up in a cover band. I came in to relieve the lead vocalist, and I would do a few songs per set. They asked me if I owned a guitar and I’m not much of a guitar player, I admit that to this day, but they gave me the guitar to do something with my hands. I just played chords. The lead singer graduated from college and had to move on, and I stepped into the lead vocalist job for six or seven years.
The Trucker Talent Search culminates with a live contest featuring three finalists. The first-place winner receives a $1,000 cash prize, plus a recording session courtesy of AxleOutPro. The contest will be emceed by Tony Justice, who will also perform during the event.
