Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Singin' out, country style

Roofing houses is what Joe Stephens does for a living. But singing is what he loves and Stevens is eager to share his talent.

When someone asks him to sing something for us, he politely declines.

Oh, I couldnt, he says as he heads for the stage, already picking up his guitar.

Then he puts his voice to work on songs originally recorded by Merle Haggard, Hank Williams and all the country giants.

Its gotta be country, Stevens says.

Stevens said hes been singing for more than three decades. He had a band, called Country Gold, and has put out a few records, and a couple of CDs.

The Hope resident has six children and five grandchildren. While hes busy with family and work, he makes time to entertain the crowds at the Leon Mann Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8671 the first and third Saturday of each month. He tends to work solo, though he gets a little help from his pals on stage - Hombre, Bill and Brittany. The life-sized cardboard cutouts of Bill Clinton and Brittany Spears are part of the accepted stage decorations. And Hombre - a life-sized dummy rescued from a Mexican restaurants trash - helps with the Spanish parts.

Stevens is often joined by Tammy Franklin, also of Hope. Franklin is a member of the VFWs Ladies Auxiliary and has volunteered for the VFWs music nights for about two years.

I love music, Franklin said. If I could (sing) every night, I would.

One thing that would surprise people, according to Franklin, is that many folks have great singing voices - and like to sing. The VFWs karaoke nights provide that opportunity.

People do not realize how much talent there is in Prescott, in Hope, everywhere, Franklin said.

The VFW supports local and regional charities. No one under 21 years of age may be admitted.