Local singer wins big at New Orleans contest
When Blanch Newsome came down to Louisiana from Missouri in 1973, he knew he wanted to be a singer.
But more than that, he wanted to be a good husband and father so he put his singing career on hold to support his family.
Now in retirement, Newsome got the chance of a lifetime to compete in a singing contest against 100 other contestants in New Orleans and he took the challenge.
Newsome placed 2nd in the National World War II Museum’s Stage Door Idol five-week singing competition in August.
Despite not winning the top spot, the judges were so impressed with his singing that he was invited to sing with the 1st place winner at the final performance.
During the competition, performers sang the greatest hits of the “war years,” or the late 1930s and 1940s.
Newsome chose to perform “Unforgettable” and “Route 66” by Nat King Cole.
Over the past few years, he has performed throughout St. Charles Parish at nursing homes so he was well-prepared to sing songs from the Forties.
“Since I go to the nursing homes in this area and I try to keep my music geared to those people, I sing these types of songs naturally,” he said.
Newsome’s singing career has blossomed in St. Charles, giving him chances to perform at such notable places as New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the Krewe of Lul Ball and Harrah’s Casino.
But he said none of that would have been possible without the kindness of fellow parishioners.
“St. Charles Parish has been so good to me,” Newsome said. He specifically mentioned the Majoria brothers, owners of Majoria’s Supermarket in Boutte, and Frank Russo, owner of Dealer Services in Boutte.
“These guys took me on like I was their little brother – I can always go to these guys and they will help me out,” Newsome said. “If you’ve got people like that that help you out, you need to mention their help.
“If you have a dream and you really want to do it, people will definitely help you.”
Newsome fell in love with singing at a young age.
“I’ve been singing since I was about 15 years old. I kind of just started singing on the corner with friends,” Newsome said. “I have a real good ear and I can sing just about anybody.”
But soon he realized that a singing career probably wouldn’t support his wife, Florence, and two sons, Blanch Jr. and Rashaad.
“I knew that I wanted to sing, but I knew I had a family and had to take care of them,” he said.
Now his sons are grown up and he has more time to pursue his passion.
Newsome said that the German Coast Farmer’s Market has also been very supportive of his singing career.
“They came down there to the World War II Museum and cheered for me,” he said. “I was so surprised.”
The audience’s clapping was especially important during the competition, as the fifth judge was the audience.
“So if the audience clapped for you and the judge went for you, you would win,” Newsome said.
Parishioners can hear him sing at the market two weeks per month.
Newsome also said that a renewed relationship with God has helped his singing career.
“The most important thing I did was start going to church and started making sure I have my mind right,” he said. “You have to have that part of your life in order to really accomplish anything.
“The Lord has given me this challenge and I’m going to go with it and see what I can do.”
Newsome also formed a recording studio with his friend, Ernest White, called The White House Recording Studio in Waggaman. He recently recorded his first Gospel CD. Those interested in purchasing a CD or hiring Newsome to perform at an event can call him (985)785-2057 or (504)358-9870.
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