The little boy wasn't really disturbing the class. In fact, some of the classmates may
have asked him to sing. But anyway, Mrs. Grimes, the fifth grade teacher at law and elementary
school, could not help overhearing as the ten-year-old softly began the classic red-fully country
ballad, old ship. Now, under any other circumstances, O'Lieta Grimes would have called the class
to order and proceeded with the day's lessons. But not today. There was something in that
sweet young soprano voice that made her want to listen along with the rest of the class,
and she did. She even joined in the applause when the little boy had finished.
After school, as the other children were leaving, O'Lieta called him to her desk,
asked if he could please stay a little longer and do something for her.
We're going to the principal's office, she told him. And there, as teacher and pupil stood
before Principal JD Cole, the former said, Sir, I want you to hear something. And then O'Lieta
turned it to the little boy urging him to sing as he had for the class. And he did. And Principal
Cole agreed, this gifted youngster must enter in the annual talent contest of the state fair and
dairy show. And thus began a rather remarkable singing career. But I dare you to guess the rest
of the story. The day of the contest O'Lieta Grimes, no young protege, drove to the fair grounds,
the auto mayor crackled with excitement. The contest they were told would be broadcast over
radio station WELO, talented folks of all ages and descriptions would compete. A little girl named
Shirley Gallantine sang, My dreams are getting better all the time. O'Lieta's pupil would be next.
And as he had that day in school, he would sing the familiar ballad, old ship. So small, he had to
stand on a chair to reach the microphone. He sang without accompaniment. But wow, what a voice.
And when he was through the crowd amazed, erupted with cheers. Back home, the little boy's
daddy listening on the radio dissolved into proud tears. And that I wanted to know is how it all
began, October 3, 1945, at the Mississippi, Alabama fair and dairy show.
For the pure voice of Prano voice would mature into something not only distinctive,
but something unique in the world of song, something now recognized and imitated everywhere,
even these long years since that voice fell silent.
But once upon a time, a youngster from law and elementary school in East Tupelo, Mississippi
climbed up on a chair to reach a microphone and into the hearts of his home folks.
And then went on to win. Second prize. Second prize. That's right, little Shirley Galantine singing.
My dreams are getting better all the time. She won the first prize. At the fair and dairy show
talent contest, she won the first prize and was never heard from again. Even though fair and
square, she had banquished the heir apparent to the throne of American popular music, the
pristling who was to become the king. Elvis Presley. Now you know the rest of the story.