Making A Connection

Making a connection through music

Adam Powell performs songs you’ll remember and original music

Story by CHARIS PATIRES

It’s more than just performing to an audience for singer, songwriter and musician Adam Powell. Every time he plays for a crowd he walks away fulfilled having made a connection with the audience and providing them a nostalgic experience.

“The music is half of it. The other half is developing friendships,” Powell said. “Connecting with people, knowing that they are enjoying it … it’s fulfilling and therapeutic for me. There’s nothing better. Music makes me feel good.”

Every show is different. “I follow my instincts, try to keep it fresh and the crowd interested,” he said.

With a repertoire of about 500 songs, depending on the venue Powell will play anything from classic country to classic rock — everything from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, the Eagles, and Bob Marley.

He keeps the sound at an enjoyable level so customers can experience good music but also have a conversation with those at their table or walk around and meet people.

Originally from Georgia, Powell moved to a few places over the years before settling in Eugene, Mo. in August 2020.

“I had been performing all over north Missouri during that time but after COVID hit it we decided to relocate to the Lake area to continue performing and pursuing my music career,” he said. “I have been performing in bands, duos and solo most of my life and continued my journey going full-time in 2011.”

“Moving to the Lake area has been the best thing I could have done and I have been very fortunate in meeting the right people who have given me the opportunity to perform and begin building a fan base in my home area,” he said.

Powell grew up in a house full of music. His mother played the piano and his dad played guitar, teaching him the basics.

“He mostly played bluegrass and country but I was exposed to a wide variety of music through a large record collection that my parents had,” he said. “I didn't get serious until I was 14 years old and began trying to play James Taylor songs. I was hooked and I think it was during that time that I developed an interest in singing.”

He began playing the piano at 16 which opened up a different genre of music as he tried to learn Billy Joel and Elton John songs. His greatest musical influences were the singers/songwriters James Taylor, the Beatles, the Eagles, Jackson Brown, Bill Withers, America, Simon & Garfunkel, Gordon Lightfoot, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

“I especially love the music of the 70's. I really connect with anything that is melodic, honest and passionate,” Powell said. “I love the great storytellers like Harry Chapin ‘Cats in the Cradle,’ James Taylor ‘Fire and Rain’ and Billy Joel's ‘Piano Man.’ I believe that is what inspired me to pursue songwriting and performing.”

As much as he loves to play the guitar and piano, singing is his first love and Powell has spent countless hours developing a voice. He’s often complimented on his smooth, soulful, soothing voice and his extensive song collection.

“There is nothing better to me than connecting with people through music and singing,” Powell said. “It brings me great joy and fulfillment to have that experience night after night and to know that I have made someone's evening special through performing nostalgic tunes and creating new memories.” HEAR HIM Adam Powell performs a variety of top 40 classics and recently released a CD of original music “This Son’s For You” which is also performed at shows. Follow him on Facebook at Adam Powell Live Entertainment. Hear him play at JB Hook’s, Casablanca and The Brick House.