African American Political Science Professor Goes Country

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) May 24, 2010 --

(Jackson, MS)--Leon Newton is a professor of political science, a book author, a poet, a playwright and an award-winning country music songwriter. With several songs to his credit, in a variety of genres, this academic has no problem admitting that beneath his starched shirt and tie is a heart that pounds to a country beat. Country music is not highly promoted among African Americans but Professor Newton has been honing his craft for the past 12 years. Now, he is heavily promoting his music in hopes of securing a writing opportunity with a music label to one day accomplish his dream of having his name placed among the country music songwriting legends.

“I have also written pop, rock, hip hop and Christian music, but I love country music best because it’s a great method of story-telling that often teaches about life. Many country songs are about an individual’s personal experiences and if you listen closely to them you may find a situation you can relate to while being entertained,” says Professor Newton.

Professor Newton was introduced to county music by his college roommate, who is also African American, while attending Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. He wasn’t impressed at first but thanks to a Johnny Cash tune his interest was instantly piqued for life.

“One day my roommate was listening to a local country music station and the song “A Boy Named Sue” by Johnny Cash began to play. I thought it was a great, funny song and I’ve been hooked ever since,” says the Cleveland, Ohio native. “When I started writing I wanted to see if I could write great lyrics like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and other legendary country songwriters. I discovered I could, and now I am looking for an outlet that will allow me to share my talent with the masses.”

Professor Newton eventually began entering his songs in competitions and the results further validated he had talent. In 2007 his song, “Love Story,” was selected as a top finalist in the country category during the www.songoftheyear.com competition. In 2006, he garnered two awards for his songs “Global Warming” and “Cintia” in the same competition.

For the past 10 years, Professor Newton has been teaching at Jackson State in Jackson, Mississippi, and has written several books that deal with topics such as terrorism and psycho-politics in government. He often blends his passion for political science and music into his lyrics. However, he also embraces traditional topics such as love and cars. He lists his favorite artists as Tim McGraw, Faith Evans, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney and newcomer Taylor Swift. Newton has even penned a song for Taylor Swift and another for Tim McGraw, hoping to one day have the superstars record them.

For more information about Professor Leon Newton and to listen to his music, visit www.cd.baby.com/cd/leonnewton. He can be reached at 601.969.2745 or leonnewt@aol.com.

country music     leon newton     mississippi