By Jimmy “Hambone”
As you may have read in these pages previously, we think a lot of the talents of Marcus Words, local singer/songwriter/guitarist, and all around good dude. In a recent Joe column I suggested he would be perfect for American Idol. Ever since the issue came out, people keep asking him if he’s going to do it. He told me he’d have to think about it.
I caught him last week at Hammerjacks where he plays every Thursday starting around . It was a nice crowd for a weeknight and they were into it. With Colby Walters throwing nasty lead guitar on top of his acoustic, Marcus does a broad range of covers, from Dave Mathews to Sam Cook, each with his own special interpretation. He also mixes in some originals that to me sound like stuff that should be candidates for radio play.
When they finally took a break, he had to make his way through a small crowd of well wishers, huggers and back-slappers. This is a popular guy. He made it by our table for a short visit, before going back on stage.
“I’m in!” were the first words out of his mouth. “Let’s light the fuse on this sucker!”
Well there you go. Marcus is headed to American Idol. Now it’s time to put the Regular Joe thinking cap on and see how this could work.
I’m thinking two columns at the very least. We’ll get the application going and find out all the details. We’ll talk to Marcus and find out what he’s planning to sing.
I’ll go with him for the audition. We’ll wait in the stupid line. We’ll show you Marcus with a big number on his shirt. We’ll show you Marcus singing if we can get away with it. If not maybe we’ll Photoshop his head onto a picture of David Cook. You never know what we might do.
From there it all depends on what happens. I personally think he has a great chance. Thanks to my crazy wife, I am subjected to American Idol every season. I’ve seen people on there that go pretty far, who couldn’t carry Marcus’ metaphorical jockstrap, (ok, maybe I should have said guitar case.)
But that’s not the only reason I think he has a shot. This isn’t a straight talent show. The audience votes for who they like. Everybody likes Marcus. He also has a look that works. Between his impressive head of hair and his big beautiful smile, I can just see him on TV. This thing isn’t supposed to be a beauty contest, but having a distinctive look has benefited lots of other contestants in the past.
So I say it: he’s got the talent, he’s got the personality and he’s got the look. Why shouldn’t Marcus Words be the next American Idol? And of course, secondarily, how can the Regular Joe, and me personally, glom on for the ride?
First, it keeps me from having to think up anything new for a couple of issues. Then, were he to actually get one of the fabulous golden tickets that takes you to
In the meantime, go see Marcus at Hammerjacks, part of the Felix Street Experience Downtown. Wish him luck for his audition. Also, don’t forget to tell him you saw it in the Joe!
No doubt other media outlets will try to hop on this train. We don’t blame them; good ideas are the best ones to copy. Marcus tells every one that The Regular Joe suggested this whole thing in the first place. Let’s see if our competitors show us some love… we’re not holding our breath.