400 LIFE JULY 2022
Megel family expands Longtime Chevy dealership moves north, opens John Megel Ford
ALSO INSIDE Gainesville man talks about his uncles’ escape from Alcatraz
PLUS: Beat the heat this month at your library | North Georgia native pens debut country music project | Mental health expert gives tips on finding your purpose and passion
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contents from the editor
It’s hard to buy a car these days with low inventory and higher prices. And it’s hard to know which dealership to choose for that big purchase. We’re lucky to have several that we can trust in north Georgia, including John Megel Chevrolet and John Megel Ford. The Megel family stands by its tradition of helping the customer find the best vehicle, for the best price and continues to work with them throughout their ownership of that vehicle with their service department. And a local man from Hall County told the story about his uncles, John and Clarence Anglin, who were two of the three men to escape Alcatraz 60 years ago. People still talk about whether or not the men survived the escape. Turn the page and find out what the Anglin’s nephew has to say about it. With the hot sun blazing down on us when we walk out the door, many families may be looking for an indoor escape. Head to the Forsyth County Public Library, where you will find fun, enriching activities that won’t cost a firtune. And our mental health expert gives some tips about how to find your purpose, whcih may not always come from your job. It’s important for everyone to feel they have a purpose.
4 John Megel Chevy expands with Ford dealership Jonathan Megel, a third-generation car dealership owner, has run John Megel Chevy in Dawsonville since 2009. Recently, Jonathan headed north and purchased Jacky Jones Ford in Cleveland. He is bringing the same service to the area that employees and customers have come to love.
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— Tracie Pike
contributors Publisher Stephanie Woody
Managing Editor Tracie Pike Special contributors Jennifer Colosimo Sudie Crouch Julia Fechter Leslie Marinelli
Advertising Tim Anderson Stacy Clark David Smithson
Man talks about his uncles’ escape from Alcatraz Kenneth Widner talks about two of his infamous uncles; John and Clarence Anglin. He shows a picture he says is of the two brothers taken in Brazil in 1975. The two Anglin brothers escaped from Alcatraz prison 60 years ago on June 11-12.
12 400 READS:
Beat the Heat this Month at Your Library with these awesome programs.
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17 KNOW YOUR
RIGHTS: Summer is for fun. But know your rights when negligence occurs.
18 MENTAL HEALTH: Define your purpose 20 ARTS: North Georgia native pens
debut country music project July 2022 | 400 LIFE | 3
JOH N M E G E L C HEVY | J OHN M EGE L FOR D
Driving Future The
4 | 400 LIFE | July 2022
John Megel Builds on the Family Business Story by Jennifer Colosimo
A
Left, Jonathan Megel, dealer principle and owner of John Megel Chevy and John Megel Ford and right, Shawn Boyd, executive manager for John Megel Chevy and John Megel Ford. - Photo by Jeremy Coleman
s a third-generation car guy, Jonathan Megel will tell you, being in this business is just in his blood. It started with his grandfather and a little Ford dealership in Buckhead. Then his dad, who joked he “sold enough Fords to finally buy a Chevy dealership,” bought a small dealership in Dahlonega in 1998. When he outgrew that space, he purchased John Megel Chevy in Dawsonville; and that was where Jonathan Megel whet his whistle for selling cars and decided he couldn’t get enough of working with people. Megel worked his way through the business starting in the service department washing cars. From there, he began to write service orders, and eventually spent nearly a decade on the sales floor. A brief stint in finance and in sales management prepped him for NADA School, and when he graduated in 2009, he took over as General Manager working for his dad at the Chevy store, and today serves as dealer principle and owner. “The one thing that I wanted to do when I got here was create a culture and an environment that was a good experience for both the customers and the employees,” said Megel. “Without our employees, we have nothing — that’s what I had learned — so I worked hard to keep a core group of people with very little turnover, and grow the store from about 35 employees to more than 100 employees.” The next growth spurt came when Jacky Jones decided to sell his Ford dealership in Cleveland. Amidst stiff competition, Megel purchased Jacky Jones Ford in December of last year, updating the sign out front, but vowing to leave most everything else the same. “The appeal of Jacky’s store was because it’s the same kind of thing we have going on at our dealership in Dawsonville,” said Shawn Boyd, executive manager for John Megel Chevy and
Continued, Page 6
July 2022 | 400 LIFE | 5
Photos by Jeremy Coleman
John Megel Ford. “They have a lot of repeat and referral customers, loyal customers, and most of the employees have been here between 15-30 years. It’s like family there, and that’s how we like to do business, too.” By no means was anything wrong with the Ford dealership before Megel took over, but they were excited to build on what Jones had established, and provide more for their own customer base out of Dawsonville. “We love the lineup that Ford offers to our customers, it gives us more to show them,” Megel said. “And Jacky knew us well enough to know that we’re going to come in here and keep up his good name and take good care of his people. You don’t really see that in this industry, but he trusts us, because we do business the same way.” That way of doing business includes tremendous repeat and referral business, something that stems directly from the way employees are treated to the way those employees then treat the customer. It’s personal, it’s convenient, and it’s meaningful. “It’s also a lot of fun,” added Boyd. “When you walk into John Megel Ford or Chevy, you’ll hear people laughing, our sales people will be joking with customers, they’re playing with their kids, customers are sitting Continued, Page 8 6 | 400 LIFE | July 2022
Jonathan Megel, dealer principle and owner of John Megel Chevy and John Megel Ford with father, John Megel, left.
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Shawn Boyd speaks to the crowd at Best of Dawson event earlier this year.
by the fireplace. We make the process fun, we provide a good atmosphere, and we keep the customers involved.” The team at Megel recognizes that buying a car is the second biggest purchase a customer makes in his or her life, so it’s not lost on them to make it feel important. “Just because we sell cars every day doesn’t mean we don’t really believe that this is a major purchase,” says Berrong Kimsey, General Manager at John Megel Ford. “We try to make it easy and happy for them so they’ll want to come back and do business with us.” Megel will be the first to admit that nobody really loves to go buy a car. But, as someone who has been selling cars to people for more than 20 years now with incredible repeat rates, he knows treating customers well builds a really big sales team at large. For that reason, they strive to always take care of their customers up front, always give them a fair, good deal, and provide great service after a deal. “Something that Jonathan says all the time is that it takes a couple of hours to buy a car, but it takes 5-6 years to own one,” said Boyd. “We want to focus on helping people through that entire process of owning it, not just selling it to them. When they have a problem, we want to be there for them.” That vision for customer service is what Megel has wanted to ignite within his employees since the beginning. “Seeing is believing,” said Megel. “Our employees in every 8 | 400 LIFE | July 2022
department see that the people in management, ownership, and all the way down the line, are involved on the daily. They know I’ll drop anything to help a customer or help them. They know I’ve got their back, and that makes a huge difference.” While the teams celebrate a beautiful auto union, Megel is excited about what they can bring to the Ford dealership. They’ll expand the online presence, offer more variety in their used vehicles, and build a better service experience for the customers, similar to John Megel Chevy. What won’t change are services like the Quick Lane for oil changes, batteries, etc., a main repair shop for repairs, warranty work, etc., as well as new and used car sales. And for the loyal customers of Jacky Jones, the faces are still the same, too. “The people in Cleveland have come to know these salespeople and these managers like family, kind of like the ones in Dawsonville are to us,” said Boyd. “It’s a huge deal for us to have that roll over into John Megel’s business and have these customers who are used to seeing Kris, Hal, Bill, and Berrong, etc. still work with them. They’re all still here.” That’s so important to the Megel business model, because above all they strive to truly know their customer. The salespeople spend time talking to and getting to know the customer, so that they fully understand what a customer wants and needs before Continued, Page 10
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‘It has not always been easy, but it has been very rewarding to see the growth of our team and business over the years.’ - Jonathan Megel, dealer principle and owner of John Megel Chevy and John Megel Ford
trying to sell them something they don’t. It’s also a lot to do with keeping their finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the car industry and keeping those customers abreast of it. The ultimate goal is to get customers the car they want as fast as they can, so communication is pivotal to making that happen — and to making it a good experience. With inventory at an all-time low across the nation, keeping clients up to date with timelines, expectations, and availability is what’s made customers stick it out, rather than shop elsewhere. There are no games here, just good business. John Megel doesn’t just do that good business from the dealership floor. In fact, they strongly subscribe to the notion that you can’t really make a name for yourself unless you’re getting your hands dirty helping out in the community. To that, they’ve sponsored numerous local youth sports teams, been heavily involved in the outdoor sports world sponsoring tournaments or providing truck giveaways. They work with rotary clubs, local charities, and the educator purchase program to give back, as well. “It’s been a great start to a new relationship,” said Kimsey. “And we’re going to keep it that way. The customers that are coming back after the sign has changed have seen for themselves that it’s the same as it’s always been and they’re happy with that. That’s what we’re shooting for. The philosophy is just about the same — taking care of the customer and making sure they’re happy. So we’re going to keep doing that.” “For generations, it has been our philosophy that the people make a difference at John Megel and a testament to our Leadership that has created long-standing customers and happy employees,” said Megel. “I hope this inspires future generations to go above and beyond for our customers and employees, continuing the John Megel legacy. “My dad, John Megel, gave me a great opportunity over 20 years ago to be a part of the family business,” he continued. “It has not always been easy, but it has been very rewarding to see the growth of our team and business over the years. It comes with great pride to say we have finally sold enough Chevrolets to become a Ford Dealer.” — Sponsored content
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400 reads
Beat the Heat this Month at Your Library
By Leslie Marinelli | Forsyth County Public Library
It’s July, it’s blazing hot outside, and you want fun, enriching things to do that won’t break the bank. Forsyth County Public Library to the rescue!
Here are 10 ways FCPL can help you chill out on the cheap this month: Get free prizes for summer reading!
It’s not too late to participate in the library’s reading incentive program which runs through July 31, 2022. Studies show that reading incentive programs “gamify” reading, making it more fun and less of a chore. The rewards and recognition of reading achievements help motivate many children to keep reading. With incremental prizes like free books and coupons for free delicious treats from local restaurants, kids can’t help but strive to reach new reading goals. Our summer reading incentive program is fun for the whole family and all ages are welcome to participate. Get started at forsythpl.beanstack.org
Stop summer slide. Keeping kids intellectually stimulated with reading and engaging activities is the best thing you can do to prevent learning loss over the summer. We have materials and resources for every type of learning preference. Try our online children’s resources like BookFlix and Weston Woods Plus to mix things up and make reading more interactive.
Enjoy free museum and park passes. Use your library card to check out free passes to the Center for Puppetry Arts, Chattahoochee Nature Center, Georgia State Parks, Zoo Atlanta, and more! 12 | 400 LIFE | July 2022
Take advantage of our free, quiet, professional meeting spaces.
Reserve a free study, conference, or meeting room and enjoy your next Zoom meeting without the sound of kids or barking dogs in the background.
Work faster with free high speed Internet access. Need to use a computer? We have desktops and laptops for use in the library and Chromebooks you can check out for up to two weeks. Free access to our high speed Wi-Fi network is available in our libraries during open hours and in our parking lots from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily.
Make your next road trip a breeze! If hearing “Are we there yet?” on repeat in the car isn’t your idea of a good time, hit the library (in person or online) and stock up on digital or CD audiobooks for the whole family. Younger children not quite reading on their own will love our VOX™ Books which have embedded digital audio players with headphone jacks.
Shop the cheapest bookstore in town! Located in each library, the FCPL Friends and Advocates Bookstores sell gently used materials at a fraction of their
retail price. All sales support library programming for all ages and divert tons of books from landfills each year. In July all educational materials are 50% off at our Friends stores. Donations of used materials and Friends volunteers are always needed!
Take a deep dive into oceans of possibilities. Our libraries are beautiful all year round, but the staff and volunteers of FCPL have really outdone themselves this season decorating for our summer reading theme, “Oceans of Possibilities.” We hear visitors audibly gasp every day when they first experience our incredible deep sea decor. From creatively crafted coral reefs, to floating smacks of jellyfish hand-crafted from recycled materials, to a giant one-eyed 3D kraken and life-sized paper sculptures of sharks, whales, and octopuses, the immersive underwater vibe at each branch is guaranteed to ignite your imagination.
Keep your cool. Forsyth County Public Libraries are some of the coolest spots in town… literally. There’s a reason the stereotypical librarian uniform includes a cardigan sweater: libraries are very well air-conditioned! Best of all, unlike a trip to the movie theater or water park, chilling in the library won’t cost a thing.
Attend free programs by top performers and experts! We have an incredible line up of free programs planned this month for all ages. Below are just a few of the highlights. Please see our online events calendar at forsythpl.org/events for specific locations and times. FOR KIDS IN GRADES K-5 July 8 – Voyages of Sinbad presented by Mr. Damon’s Shadow Puppet Theater July 11 – Creepy Crawlies! presented by Smithgall Woods July 13 – Books & Brushes presented by Johns Creek Arts Center July 22 & 25 – Animals Around the World presented by Wildlife Wonders July 27 – Jennifer Daniels, Children’s Musician Extraordinaire! July 28 – Magic with Ken Scott July 28 – Shark Science presented by Discover Science Center (grades 3-5 only) FOR TWEENS AGES 10-12 July 12 – Let’s Build Character! writing workshop presented by author Alexis Abbot July 14 & 19 – Improv Workshop for Teens with Dad’s Garage July 21 & 25 – Art Workshop with artist Lara Maclean FOR ADULTS July 10 – Crappie Fishing on Lake Lanier (Southern Fishing Series) July 10 – Flying the Black Flag: Terror on the High Seas presented by University of North Georgia Associate Provost Dr. Eugene Van Sickle July 12 & 13 – 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Escape Room July 13 – Creating Rain Gardens presented by UGA Agriculture and Natural Resource Educator Shannon Kennedy July 16 – Create a Pinecone Bouquet art workshop presented by Lara Maclean July 18 – Lures for Bass Fishing (Southern Fishing Series)
With four branches and a Bookmobile, you’re likely just a short drive to the nearest Forsyth County Public Library. We’re open seven days a week and you don’t need a library card to enjoy our facilities or programs, but a library card is required to borrow materials, reserve meeting spaces, and utilize many of our online resources. Forsyth County Public Library cards are available at no charge to all Forsyth County residents, property or business owners, government employees, and students and school employees. Anyone not eligible for a free library card may obtain an out-ofcounty library card for $60 per year. Parents of Forsyth County Schools’ students can also opt in each school year to allow their student to use their FCS ID # as their public library card. Be on the lookout for that option when you’re filling out your back to school paperwork this year.
Leslie Marinelli is the Communications Manager at Forsyth County Public Library where she was a children’s librarian for four years. Prior to her work at the library she was a writer and editor who has been featured in The Huffington Post, CNN’s Headline News, Parenting Magazine, and Northside Woman. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Leslie has lived in Forsyth County for 19 years, is a mother of three, and can often be found shouting “DROP IT” while chasing her rescue pup, Birdie.
For more information about FORSYTH COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY or any of our resources or upcoming events, please visit WWW.FORSYTHPL.ORG or connect with FCPL on social media @forsythpl.
July 2022 | 400 LIFE | 13
‘Always been a part of my life’
Kenneth Widner talks Tuesday, June 7, at his Hall County home about two of his infamous uncles; John and Clarence Anglin. He shows a picture he says is of the two brothers taken in Brazil in 1975. The two Anglin brothers escaped from Alcatraz prison 60 years ago on June 11-12.
Hall County man has this to say about his uncles’ escape from Alcatraz 60 years ago By Jeff Gill | Photos Scott Rogers
T
he escape from Alcatraz remains, for many, one of American history’s biggest prison mysteries. Did the three prisoners make it to safety in the choppy waters of San Francisco Bay the night of June 11-12, 1962? For Ken Widner of Chestnut Mountain, there is no mystery. He believes the men, including uncles John and Clarence Anglin, not only survived but went on to live out their lives in South America. “Do you want to see a picture of them in Brazil?” he said during an interview at his South Hall home. 14 | 400 LIFE | July 2022
From a stack of papers, letters and pictures he has collected over the years, Widner pulls out a 1975 color photo showing two men standing next to an enormous anthill. “I’ve got five independent groups that have done research and studies on it. They will all say [it’s the brothers],” he said. Whether the Anglin brothers and a third inmate — Frank Morris — survived the treacherous escape from “The Rock,” as Alcatraz Island is famously known, is still debated today. A 1979 movie starring Clint Eastwood, “Escape from
Kenneth Widner opens a letter from James Joseph “Whitey” Bulger Jr. Tuesday, June 7, at his Hall County home. Widner corresponded with Bulger while researching his two uncles who were in prison at Alcatraz at the same time as Bulger.
Alcatraz,” depicts the escape and ends on a note that the prisoners were never found. Documentaries have been made, as well, including one in 2015 on the History Channel. The story of Widner’s uncles “has always been a part of my life,” Widner told the Gainesville Times in 2015. “I was just a year and a half old when the escape occurred. As far back as I can remember, this has been a topic.” The escape is scheduled to be featured in July on “Expedition Unknown” on the Discovery Channel, Widner said. The website for the adventure show, hosted by Josh Gates, confirms it’s “cracking The Rock as Josh retraces the greatest prison break of all time and proves there’s more to the 1962 escape from Alcatraz than the FBI maintains.” Widner, 61, recreates what he believes was the watery escape route taken by his uncles, using a kitchen table, a smartphone and his finger. With the phone representing Alcatraz Island and his finger tracing the path of the men, he described an intricate plan, one involving the prisoners clad in black and hauling a raft made from rain coats, avoiding detection by a guard tower and using 125 feet of extension cord to hitch onto the rudder of a prison boat in the bay. “When that boat pulled out, they were right behind it,” Widner said. “They release the [extension cord], and all of the sudden, the current is taking them [away from Alcatraz].” With the pre-arranged help of someone driving a boat and later flying a plane, “off they are to Mexico,” he said. The prison, meanwhile, didn’t last much longer. It closed in 1963. FBI archives go into extensive detail about the case. Continued, Page 16
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I’ve got five independent groups that have done research and studies on it. They will all say [it’s the brothers]. - Ken Widner, showing a picture he says is the two brothers taken in Brazil in 1975
Kenneth Widner talks Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at his Hall County home about two of his infamous uncles; John and Clarence Anglin. The two Anglin brothers escaped from Alcatraz prison 60 years ago on June 12.
“The fate of three particular inmates, however, remains a mystery to this day,” the FBI says. “Plenty of people have gone to great lengths to prove that the men could have survived, but the question remains: Did they?” according to the site. “Our investigation at the time concluded otherwise.” The FBI believes that, among other things, “with the strong currents and frigid bay water, the odds were clearly against these men.” Also, “for the 17 years we worked on the case, no credible evidence emerged to suggest the men were still alive, either in the U.S. or overseas.” The FBI turned the case over to the U.S. Marshals Service in 1979. The Marshals Service is not nearly as descriptive of the escape as the FBI. A search of its site turns up only four documents — a 16 | 400 LIFE | July 2022
log of Freedom of Information Act requests and three “Wanted by U.S. Marshals” pages, one for each escapee. The pages show how the escapees may look today. As for Widner, he doesn’t believe the brothers, who were serving time for bank robbery and born in Georgia, are still alive today. “None of the men (in the family) lived past 90, and John would be 92 and Clarence would be 91, if alive today,” he said. But his 87-year-old mother, Marie Widner, who lives in Albany, may end up being the key to solving the mystery once and for all. A DNA sample from her is being entered into the database in Brazil. It’s believed that the brothers settled there — as depicted in the anthill photograph — and were married and had children. “We’re hoping we’re getting a hit on one of their grandchildren,” Widner said. “... That pretty much would close the case.”
400 legal
Summer is for fun. But know your rights when negligence occurs. As we approach the summer season, legal issues that are particular to summer fun frequently arise. Summer activities during outdoor days are often governed by certain statutes. For example, when a person visits a place that does not charge any money for using the property, the Recreational Properties Act governs whether a person can bring a lawsuit against the property owner when a person gets injured due to negligence. Some years ago, I represented a family who entrusted their 3-year-old to a day care center. The center, which was governed under law to supervise children, did not have an insurance policy and proceeded to take the child to a public swimming pool. The Lifeguards on duty failed to watch the child and she sadly drowned. Normally a child injured by the negligence of the Lifeguards would be governed by the Recreational Property Act and would thus bar recovery. Fortunately, in our case the owner of the pool claimed a nominal fee which opened the door to coverage. I am proud to say that we
were able to settle the case for the value of the life of the young child. Another regulation that applies specifically to summer recreations is a requirement concerning swimming pools. Under Georgia Law, all swimming pools must satisfy a fencing requirement. This requirement Steven Leibel regulates that all pools must be fenced and alarmed. Homeowners are allowed to use their house as one side of the fence, and if they do, they are then required to place an alarm on the door leading outside to the pool from inside. Other pool gates or entryways must be made so they open away from the pool. Gates are not allowed to push open toward the pool from the outside of the fence. Some time ago, we represented a family who lost their young child who drowned in an
improperly fenced and maintained swimming pool.The child could not be seen getting in the pool or easily located because the water was so murky. As a result, the child died without anyone noticing. Although no amount of money could compensate the family for their son, we brought a lawsuit under the wrongful death statute on behalf of the child’s parents for the value of their son’s life. As a Lawyer I see a lot of tragedy. This makes me appreciate how precious life is, and how important one’s health is to every person. As we go through our summer season, I would like to remind everyone to stay safe and enjoy the warm weather! Steven Leibel is a well-respected personal injury lawyer in Cumming and Dahlonega. He has consistently been recognized as a GA SuperLawyer in Personal Injury; rated 10 by AVVO, and he is considered “preeminent by his peers, as an Martindale AV rated attorney.” — Sponsored content
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400 health
Find your purpose
Darius Bashar, Unsplash
A job title does not necessarily define you By Sudie Crouch | Health & wellness columnist
O
ne of the biggest questions we grapple with is trying to figure out why we are here and what we are supposed to do: What is our purpose? We sometimes rephrase it as: What are we supposed to be doing during our time here? The question presents quite a quandary and unfortunately, can make us feel like we are living a life that is not quite what it should be. Some people may feel like they are not living up to their potential or doing what they are called to do — it doesn’t mean that they know what they are supposed to be doing, it just means they know there is supposed to be more than what they are currently doing. And then, there are others who seem to fall into their perfect 18 | 400 LIFE | July 2022
careers easily and work in what they enjoy for most of their life. Is our job title really our purpose? Not always. There are a few whose job title or description is what they are called to do — like some doctors, attorneys, to name a few. But for many, our job title is not our purpose. There’s people working in positions that have nothing to do with their purpose. I caution clients to not get hung up on how they think or believe their purpose is supposed to look. We often want a confirmation that we are supposed to do X, Y, or Z, only to find the path getting there may be a bit more different than our expectations. And sometimes, our purpose is just not our job.
Let me repeat that: Sometimes, our purpose is just not our job. We have been led to believe for years that the whole reason we are here is to fit some job title but that is not the case. I am not saying to go out and quit your job — that could be more devastating than beneficial. We need our jobs to pay bills, provide basic daily comfort, etc., even if they are not necessarily feeding our souls. HOW DO YOU FIND YOUR PURPOSE? It can be hard to know what our purpose should be. Here’s a few tips to help you identify what your purpose may be. • What do you enjoy doing, that you would do for free if time allowed? • What have you always felt drawn towards? • What do you do naturally? • What are you passionate about? • What would you, even if you weren’t paid to do it?
A person who is passionate about animals may not necessarily be a veterinarian but may volunteer for an animal rescue. Their purpose may be to love and help animals feel safe and secure until they find their forever home. Someone who wants to feel more connected to their mind and body may have a corporate job but also lead yoga classes in the evening or on the weekends. Teachers may be living their purpose as they help inspire and educate; likewise, someone who isn’t an educator may teach in other ways. Being a parent is also one life purpose that serves an incredible role because you are helping someone else on their own path, nurturing and encouraging them and teaching them how to find their own path. There are countless ways we can live our purpose. We just need to remember our purpose is not always a job title but often, something that makes us feel joy in our spirit.
Fuu J, Unsplash
Some other tips to finding your purpose – and passion: There’s so many ways to pursue training in the areas that interest you, especially if you’re wanting to pursue them as an avenue to make money. However — don’t feel like you have to make money at something in order to enjoy it or for it to be meaningful and worthwhile! You absolutely can do something out of the sake of just pure joy. If you are looking for classes, you may want to try:
Udemy, Coursera or Sophia And check out any continuing education offerings at your local universities. They often have other programs available.
Sudie Crouch is a health & wellness coach, helping clients create healthy, attainable changes using positive psychology and cognitive behavior approaches. July 2022 | 400 LIFE | 19
400 arts
‘You Go Girl’
Photo courtesy of Libby Danforth
Dawson County High School graduate and country musician Peytan Porter is releasing her first EP “In My Head” on June 24.
North Georgia native pens debut country music project Story by Julia Fechter
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awson County High School alumna and country music artist Peytan Porter has stayed busy in 2022. The 24-year-old Dawsonville native will play at the Country Music Association’s CMA Fest in Nashville this weekend, and she will release her debut EP “In My Head” June 24 via major digital music retailers. Porter was born and raised in Dawsonville as the second of three sisters. A 2019 DCN article detailed how, as a child, she developed a passion for writing and performing music. After graduating in 2016, Porter moved to Nashville, Tennessee to attend Lipscomb University and study communications and music. She interned at a music publisher before graduating early from college in 2020. Then last year, she signed a joint-venture deal with Jody Williams Songs and Warner Chappell Music.
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Over the past year or so, Porter has built a steady following on social media, made up of hundreds of thousands of followers and subscribers between Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. “In My Head” features the seven songs “Why We Broke Up,” “Champagne Problems,” “First Stone,” “You Go Girl,” “Therapy,” “Someone’s Love Song” and the title track. Porter said her songs cover the gamut in terms of emotions. The words are all drawn from authentic personal experiences, from relationship troubles to hoping for the right person or dreaming of more prosperous circumstances. She explained that she took a bit of that mountain towntype sound with her to Nashville for when she wrote the songs. “It’s not the southern Georgia, red dirt [type of style]. It’s Continued, Page 23
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It’s not the southern Georgia, red dirt [type of style]. It’s breezy and airy…that’s where the ethereal part comes from. Coming from a northern Georgia mountain town, that’s definitely something I wanted to capture. - Peytan Porter, country music artist
breezy and airy…that’s where the ethereal part comes from,” she said. “Coming from a northern Georgia mountain town, that’s definitely something I wanted to capture.” She called “Someone’s Love Song” her most challenging to write. “It was a little more vulnerable than the others…and I’m not great at being vulnerable, but I’m good at being open,” said Porter, “so I wrote it with two people who pulled it (the inspiration) out of me.” Like many other songwriters, Porter described the difficulty of narrowing down thousands of songs she’d written since 2013 down to the seven final candidates that ended up on the EP. She’s happy with how the project culminated, though. Based on the responses she’s gotten so far, her listeners seem to feel the same way, such as with her first single, “Therapy.” “People have started sharing stories relating it to stories about drugs or alcohol abuse or problems with parents… things that are a lot bigger than just my break up,” Porter said. Such is the subjective nature of music, she added, commenting that it’s hard to predict which songs will captivate people. The EP’s song, “First Stone,” takes more of a worldview lens than a personal focus with the emphasis on treating others kindly, she said. “One of my former basketball coaches, Steve Sweat, called me, and told me that all of his grandkids knew all the words to it,” she said of the tune. “It’s cool to see a bigger message clicking with the younger kids.” In that respect, being nominated for the “TikTok Songwriter of the Year” award at the “I Heart Radio Music Awards” caught her by surprise, but it was a welcome surprise. Likewise, Porter’s one-weekend tour with Willie Nelson this April was only her second time playing with a full band. “Because performing and releasing music is all I’ve ever wanted to do, I 22 | 400 LIFE | July 2022
felt prepared to take it on and not fall flat on my face. I was not as scared as I should have been,” she said, laughing. “I still have a lot to learn, and I’m excited and eager to learn.” Porter thanked all the people that have supported her during her creative journey, from her family and other loved ones back home to a wealth of support in the Nashville area, too. She’s glad for the things that have worked out and the others that haven’t. Those checks and balances help keep her humble, she said. “I think it’s important to celebrate the little wins, because [in general], you’re not guaranteed bigger ones,” Porter
added. “So I’m enjoying where I’m at right now and seeing where I may go… It’s like I’m living my dream right now, so it’s kind of crazy.” Porter will perform at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater on Friday, June 10 starting at 7 p.m. as part of the Country Music Association’s annual CMA Fest, a four-day country music festival held in the Tennessee city. Also as part of the festival, she’ll play on the Spotify Fresh Finds Rooftop stage on June 11 at 6 p.m. For more touring and music details, people can check out peytanportermusic.com.
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