by Connie Strong

Every once in a while, folks are given a chance to witness a small part of local history. The recent event at The Bugle Boy was one such opportunity. Elizabeth Wills, Bugle Boy’s first Founder’s Choice Talent Trust recipient, was warmly welcomed into the Fayette County community on Thursday, January 28, in a memorable presentation during the local Fayetteville Lions Club meeting.  La Grange Mayor Janet Moerbe and Fayette County Judge Ed Janecka were on hand to present the honors.

Elizabeth was presented the Key to the City by Mayor Moerbe, who considers it a “real privilege” to be able to take part in the event. “[Elizabeth] is one of my favorite artists, so this is a very special occasion for us!”

Elizabeth and The Bugle Boy have won the hearts of the community, as indicated by the Proclamation presented by Judge Ed Janecka, officially declaring January 28 to be Elizabeth Wills Day in Fayette County. “The Bugle Boy is truly a wonderful venue, and anytime we can bring new talent to the forefront is, indeed, an exciting thing.”

Elizabeth’s songs speak to the very essence of a life observed through the eyes of an artist. Her soulful rendition about everything from highways and diners to a touch of exposed soul, is what places this confessional songwriter‘s music a notch above the rest.

Writing her first song at the age of six, playing guitar by her early teens and recording the first of five albums by the age of 19, Elizabeth is no stranger to the music business. Greatly influenced by Nanci Griffith, Willie Nelson, U2 and—most of all—Joni Mitchell, she has managed to carve a niche into the list of today’s highest quality performers.

Founder Lane Gosnay says “Elizabeth Wills possesses the perfect intrinsic combination of talent & tenacity.  She is publicly poised to make this release a cornerstone in her career as an independent performing singer songwriter. Her draw comes from her pure accessibility and the emotional connection she makes with her listener by delivering her songs through a voice that is at minimal angelic and can be best described as viscerally intoxicating.”  The Bugle Boy acknowledged this exceptional talent by presenting Elizabeth with the Founder’s Choice Talent Trust award on October 10th, 2009.

Although Elizabeth has performed from New York to LA, and has shared the stage with legendary performers like Willie Nelson, Janis Ian and Ruthie Foster, she considers The Bugle Boy her “favorite place to play.”

“Lane has managed to create something here, built from love and respect—not just for the artist, but for the love of the music.” Crediting Lane’s “selfless giving of time and energy,” Elizabeth feels “Places survive by the people who live in the community. La Grange is a family, community-oriented town and Bugle Boy is an extension of that.”

As Mayor Janet Moerbe so aptly stated, “The Bugle Boy has become a part of our cultural community.”

According to Elizabeth, Lane is the true hero—someone who has created a nurturing environment,   “fostering a truth and a love, and creating a beautiful canvas for artists to present their music.”

Fortunately for all, that canvas can be illuminated by the likes of Elizabeth, whose voice and talent touch the lives of even Small Town USA, and express the true grit of Americana.

You can support the work of The Bugle Boy with an online donation to The Bugle Boy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.