Though she had been singing since the age of 9, she was relatively unknown in music circles in September 2009 when a chance meeting, at a party with Stan Roberts, a former Nashville guitarist/vocalist/songwriter, launched a career which has catapulted her from virtual obscurity three years ago to the point of capturing nominations for “Best Female Country Artist” by the Georgia Country Music Awards, as well as Georgia-County.com and seeing her debut music video nominated for “Best Music Video of the Year.” Six of her songs have regularly occupied the airwaves of 94.9 FM, “the Country Bull.”
I first met Angela, or Angie, as I still call her, in June 2007, when a director friend invited me to a play he was directing to watch an exciting new talent he had found. She burst onto the stage for what might have been just another supporting role and stole the show, while capturing the hearts of most of the audience. I have been an ardent and devoted fan ever since. Many times I have watched in awe, marveling at her boundless energy and her audience connection.
Angela brings that same energy and theatrical dynamics to her musical performances. Anyone watching her shows must know she is destined for greatness in country music.
In addition to her career, Angela is a devoted wife to husband and manager Mike, and step-mother to two children, Rachael and Jack, finding time in her busy schedule for cameo appearances with Rachel’s school choir. She also sings the National Anthem at all Jack’s eighth grade home football games at Pope High School.
In spite of her successes, she remains humble and is always willing to give back to the community, having performed a number of benefit concerts this year, with more on the way.
When I first heard her perform the National Anthem at a CD release party, I was captivated by the purity of her performance. I have recalled it numerous times since in light of a glut of uninspiring performances of the Anthem by mediocre, pretentious performers trying to personalize it. As I listened to the song last year, prior to the Run for Wounded Warriors, wonderfully and simply performed by a local Kennesaw artist, I was again reminded of Angela.
During initial preparations for the 2012 Run for Wounded Warriors, I approached David and Barbara Borden (no relation to this columnist), whose perspiration has brought their son Jon’s inspiration for this run to fruition, about inviting Angela to perform the National Anthem. I had no idea how the invitation would be received by Angela and Mike, but I had no cause for concern. Angela not only agreed, but she volunteered to perform a free concert for the runners and the workers, as well.
Angela Reign and her band will be performing the free concert after the race at the finish line. Angela has also recorded a commercial for the Run for Wounded Warriors, which is heard throughout the day on radio station 94.9 FM. All this extra effort is testament to their appreciation for the sacrifices made by the men and women of our Armed Forces. It should also serve to remind the rest of us that patriotism is still alive and our country will be secure in the hands of our young people.
This year, the third annual Run for Wounded Warriors, is expected to attract somewhere around 2,000 runners, with all profits being donated to the national Wounded Warriors Project. There is still time to register, but we urge you to do so as soon as possible, at runforwoundedarrriors.org. Online registration ends Monday, but registration will also be available on race day.
Angela’s free concert will be held, after the race, preceding the awards ceremony, at the Depot in downtown Kennesaw. To learn more about Angela and/or to vote for her and her video, for the awards, please visit www.angela reign.com.
David Borden said, recently, “Now what we need, is to have them want to make this their annual charity function.” I agree and you will too when you see the show.
Pete Borden is a retired masonry contractor in east Cobb.
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