Cowboy Up - Basketball Player Turns Country Music Singer
Monday October 10, 2005
By Lola Sizemore
The Breeze - James Madison University's Student Newspaper
Johnny Napp is becoming one of the fastest popularity-growing singers at JMU,
but come Monday morning, he is your average student and answers to the name
John Naparlo during attendance.
Oh, and by the way, he also plays on the basketball team for JMU. And you thought
your life was a little hectic.
One of the newest country singers on the scene is a senior marketing major at
JMU and somehow is able to manage a huge plate of activities effortlessly. But
I know some of you are wondering how this basketball player, who averages 15
points a game, is now getting ready to release a CD, Cowboy Up and Party Down,
and work with people like Pamela Lewis, who has managed a few names in the business,
like Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.
"When I told people in Nashville I was working with [Lewis], they all were
like, 'Wow,'" Napp said. He also opened for David Allen Coe in August at
the Norva in Norfolk and is heading back there Oct. 13 with Jason Aldean. As
for here in the 'Burg, Napp's music has just been starting to play on local
radio stations like WXJM and his fan club has reached more than 300 members.
Napp has been taking guitar lessons for years, but it wasn't until at a recording
session with Doc Holiday that he asked if this was something he could really
pursue. "He said I had a chance and that's what pushed me into this,"
he said. His music has influences from all different genres, and his audience
is composed of not just die-hard country fans. As for the idea of becoming a
cross-over sensation, Napp has an appreciation for a mix of genres, such as
the Nelly and Tim McGraw hit, "Over and Over," last year and likes
the idea of a diverse audience.
Napp's family also has been playing a huge supportive role in his music career.
His father worked out an arrangement to get advertising through JMaddy.com while
his mother and two older sisters have been helping with hanging fliers and other
ways of promotion. His sisters can also can be credited by influencing him at
a young age by playing everything from country to rap and hip-hop.
Napp's promotional manager here at JMU, senior Nick Dulo, has been dedicated
to promoting Johnny's talent with his business partner, Chad Franklin of The
R Productions.
"Regardless of working for Johnny, I'd still be supporting him and wearing
his T-shirt," said Dulo.
His influences - including Garth Brooks - shine through his music, as the style
is upbeat and great for getting the party started. Like most musicians, Napp
of course gets nervous before performances, but loves the feeling he gets while
being on stage where his audience also provides encouragement. "I love
looking out and feeding off of the audience," he said. "By the end
of the song, they are singing along."
While managing a 3.1 GPA, Napp also manages a busy schedule with shows, thankfully
with the help and support of his teammates and friends.
"During the season, basketball comes first. Coach has always been so supportive
and has let me explore my opportunities."
He will be performing this Wednesday, Oct. 12 at the Pub for an 18+ show with
songs from his CD, Cowboy Up and Party Down. Tickets can be purchased for $7
at the door and the CD can be purchased online at a later date.