The Christmas Song

I grew up in "Cajun Country," in southwest Louisiana. Family gatherings around food and church played a huge role in my life. Growing up with four other siblings, there was rarely a dull moment; and somehow my parents always found the time for family meals, and great music every day in our home. And traveling to Honduras each summer with my family to work with the poor and needy helped to broaden my view of people and the world. It’s one of the reasons I’ve traveled to over 30 countries, and find myself overseas at least once a year. And now living in Los Angeles I get to interact with people from all over the world on a daily basis! Very cool…I see clear reflections of my influences growing up, both in my music, and in the recurring theme of the importance of relationships in life. I believe Together Is Better. Though we are all different, it’s often those differences that make us stronger together. People are what our lives here on Earth are about. As we live our lives focused on others and not just ourselves, I believe that we all will discover the truth that Together Is Better. I remember Mom turning on the stereo and playing Satchmo, Mahalia Jackson, Ray Charles, Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, André Crouch, classical music, etc... While my older brothers were playing the Doobie Brothers, Three Dog Night, Cream, Stevie Wonder, and other great artists on their stereos and in their cars. Add to that, local Cajun and jazz bands, and to say the least, my musical influences growing up were both amazing, and varied. But what I found at the heart of all that great music was SOUL. And that's what really dug into MY soul. When I sing and play, I gotta feel it. And I want others to feel it too. At the core, I'm an emotional, heart-felt artist, singing from a place deep inside me that screams to be heard. I try to allow this to come through in all I do as an artist, whether singing, writing, playing an instrument, acting, or reading poetry. I believe we should live to the fullest, together! So join me on this journey, and "Laissez les bons temps rouler!" **** WHAT SOME PEOPLE ARE SAYING**** "Rory has a young hip, with it attitude that shines through in his music. He brings a magical ambiance to any event, and pleases every crowd with his charismatic tunes." RITZ CARLTON "Suberb! Our customers have raved whenever we've hired Rory for our events. I would highly recommend his act." GREENBRIER HOTEL & RESORT "The new Rory Partin CD is GREAT! After seeing Rory's show live I was even more impressed with the dynamics and energy that he and his band brings." WAMB Radio His premier album, THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU, unleashes the talented young singer and performer, Rory Partin on the wider world. But don't be fooled into thinking this debut artist is some new kid on the block. Partin has been leading the Rory Partin Band since 2000, and their highly entertaining live show, professional approach and superb repertoire have made them a popular choice for corporate events, concerts, and Society balls. In 2000, Rory and his big band were found performing at the Presidential inaugural ball for George W. Bush in Washington D.C. Since then they have been performing from San Francisco to New York and Toronto to Baton Rouge, always leaving audiences wanting more. Partin's debut album only shows off one small part of his vast talents. Hailing from Louisiana, and drawing on musical influences as varied as Ray Charles, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Stevie Wonder and The Doobie Brothers, his blue-eyed soul voice is convincing whether he is pulling every ounce of emotion from a classic soul set or swinging with his big band on THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU. Rory explains, "I enjoy singing songs that I feel. I love to connect with an audience, to see the way they're moved by the pure emotion of a song." From the album's opening cut, "Walkin' My Baby Back Home," this pure emotion is immediately evident. Critics have already been wowed by the way in which Partin tackles the material. "If you enjoy the recordings of Harry Connick, Jr. and Michael Bublé, this CD is up to that standard, one of the best," writes British music critic Ian Hayter of Cross Rhythms Magazine. THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU is destined to introduce Partin and his stellar band to a wider audience than just those who have seen their excellent live performance. Bringing his own unique personality to these familiar songs, a new generation is discovering these fresh interpretations of timeless classics. Partin delivers them in a voice that is both knowing and passionate, and with a romantic flair that melts hearts.