By Kelly Legg
Luke Edgemon from “The Voice” is one of the top contestants in Season 4 of the NBC reality singing competition series. Originally hailing from Lakeland, Edgemon is the grandson of Jim Campbell, CEO of Christian Radio Station Joy FM 94.1.
The 24-year-old singer was originally on Shakira’s team, however, he ended up on Blake Shelton’s team before being recently eliminated.
The entire City of Lakeland rallied support for the singer as their hometown favorite. Edgemon lived in Lakeland until his family moved to North Carolina when he was 11. He attended Lakeland Christian School and started his musical career at the age of five when he learned to play the violin.
“As a small child he started to play the violin and he started to play tunes he heard without music,” said Campbell. “He definitely is gifted and, oh my, what a musical ear he does have.”
In recent years, Edgemon began to make a name for himself in Hollywood. He was a contestant on Season 9 of American Idol and is currently cast as one of the men’s back-up vocals on the popular television series, Glee.
Musical giftedness runs in the family. Not only does his grandfather own a Christian Radio Station, but his mother is also a singer. His Christian foundation is evident through his family, as his father is a minister and Edgemon was raised in a Christian home. Campbell and his wife Ruth have always been his biggest fans.
“We encouraged him to sing and play in all the music groups at school and church that were applicable to his age whether it was music or drama,” said Campbell. “We attended all of those activities supporting him.”
His ride on “The Voice” was nerve-racking for his family to watch and they are proud of how far he succeeded.
“I want Luke to serve God with all his heart, work hard and be the best he can be in his music profession,” said Campbell
With his talented signature blend of pop and R&B, Edgemon is sure to continue to blaze a name for himself in the music industry.
Follow Luke on Twitter at @LukeEdgemon.