By: Jaime Rafferty
It can come in many shapes, sizes, heights and abilities. But one thing is for sure: musical talent has come in the way of a bright and beautiful, yet shy young lady, Alexis (Lexie) Roby.
Does Lexie come from a musical family? She says that most of the Roby’s play music, but not professionally. In her words, it’s “more like back porch pickin!” With that rich musical heritage, she realized from a very young age that she loved music.
She says, “When I was a little girl I’d make up tunes and hum songs. I wrote my first song when I was 11 called ‘Sitting Here.’ I’ve been writing ever since!”
She began going to mandolin and piano lessons when she was 7 or 8 with her Aunt Mandy and Uncle Isaac. Mandy’s only one year older than Lexie and she always looked up to her aunt. “So whatever she did, I wanted to do,” Lexie says. As they grew older, Isaac and Mandy got into sports and music wasn’t their priority. Lexie doesn’t play piano as much anymore, but you will always find her with her mandolin close in hand. She says, “I’ve never had writing or singing lessons. God just kinda put those in me, I guess!”
Her first live performance with an audience was at the legendary local Goldie’s Opry House, with her band Blackberry Jam when she 13. She admits, she has always been a little shy, this was as a big step in her young life and she was extremely nervous. However, once she felt the warmth of the stage lights, saw the audience affectionately looking at her and head the music begin everything just fell into place. That’s when Lexie knew music is what she wanted to do. It’s what she was meant to do.
Blackberry Jam has been playing for six years and because she’s just a teenager herself she cannot believe it’s been that long! Band members include Quinton Pence who plays guitar and sings harmony, Emily Wills plays fiddle and also sings harmony, and Lexie who plays mandolin and sings lead. The band recently added new member JD Estes who sings harmony and plays bass, but is helpful in that he can pick up just about any instrument the band needs. The group can be heard playing country/bluegrass music on most weekends across Owensboro and Daviess County.
In addition Lexie joined NAOS, a contemporary Christian music group three years ago through her church, Yellow Creek Baptist.
When asked about her musical influences, Lexie enthusiastically responds with Allison Krauss and The Isaacs, which are only fitting because both are country/bluegrass artists.
Lexie’s life continues to become more exciting with the release of a CD. The title of the album is Simply Complicated, based off of one of the songs on the CD. There are 12 songs that are all originals written by, none other than Lexie herself.
One song, “Jesus In Me,” was co-written and recorded by Blackberry Jam. Randy Lanham and High Hopes Music helped record and create the CD. Lexie says, “I hope to relate and witness to people through my music and that these songs will inspire and show people a faith with Jesus Christ.”
What does Lexie see in her future? She will be a senior in high school next year and this question comes to her frequently.
She says, “I plan to take a career in music, I’m just not sure what part of music yet. I’m just waiting for the good Lord to show me His will for my life! There are thousands of musicians trying to get famous, and if that’s where God wants me to be I believe he will put me there. I’ve already come a long way in putting my music out there, so I don’t plan on quitting anytime soon!”
When asked what advice she would give to other talented hopefuls she exclaims, “Go for it! God doesn’t give us talents and dreams to have us sit in the corner and wait for someone to find us. They’re all waiting for you to make a move! As long as you keep trying, God will keep opening doors. “
Lexie’s talents reach beyond music. She is a beautiful young lady with a heart for people, a strong faith and the ability to succeed in all that she does. What does talent look like? Lexie Roby!
For more information about Lexie: www.alexisroby.com or www.blackberryjamband.net