First Record "I Believe" at "10 Years Old"

Gary Edwards, 1951

Gary was only 10 years old when he recorded his first song "I Believe" The 78rpm record was made in 1952 in the studios of WCTT Radio station in Corbin, KY.  Gary said; "That song was also the first song I ever sang in public and it was in Corbin at The Rotary Club".

In 1980 Gary added this recording to his "Life is a Song" CD.  Also when he was 10 years old, his father began taking him to the radio station (WCTT) each Saturday, to sing a couple of songs, with his dad's four-piece band, on "The Mike Edwards" radio show!  This was a very exciting experience for Gary, a young, shy, impressionable boy that loved music!  

Every time Gary was permitted to sing on his Dads show, the radio audience loved him so much, the station's phone lines became jammed with too many calls from listeners wanting to hear more!   The station simply couldn't keep up with all of the calls requesting more of the young Gary Edwards!

WCTT management knew a good thing and when Gary was 16 years old (and could drive), he was given his own radio show called "The Gary Edwards Show" (no money but super publicity). 

This was another great experience for Gary, it provided him with the opportunity to perform behind a "live" microphone in front of a live radio audience!  Not only did it improve his music, it taught him stage and microphone presence, which matured over the years and gave him the skill he needed to perform!  Gary became very comfortable in front thousands!  He also developed a large local following as a singer and young local entertainer. 

As you might expect, everyone and especially the girls loved Gary, in fact, Gary's public appearances and the radio show made Gary Edwards a big "local star" in and around Corbin. However, even though he had "local fame" he was still very shy and it was difficult for him to even talk to the girls. Gary learned to let his singing do the talking, and it worked! This may very well be why he often says "Life is a Song"  "Everything can be said in a song"! 

During high school, Gary formed his first backup band called "The Shades".  The Shades provided him back-up on the radio show, other local venues and continued performing with him in college.  During High School, Gary and The Shades performed at school functions such as homecomings, proms, and special events, private parties, and dances, on WCTT radio station, at the local skating rink, Cumberland Falls State Park, The Kiwanis Club, Moose Lodge and anywhere they could!