Franklin County girl a shining 'Star'

By Staff
Melissa Cason, Franklin County Times
Thursday night's "Nashville Star" proved to be a big night for brother and sister, Zac and Angela Hacker. The contest came down between the two, as most of North Alabama hoped that it would.
Angela took home the top prize, but Zac wasn't too disappointed that his sister won.
Even though Zac came in second, he entertained a nation for two months and that is nothing to be disappointed about. Not to mention, he's got a relative in "the business" now.
Zac and Angela are two very extremely talented people and they are a good example of what Franklin County has to offer.
Angela is a 1996 graduate of Russellville High School. They were both raised in the Northwest corner of our county, close to the Colbert and Lawrence County lines.
Now, that Angela has won a recording contract, the whole country will get to know her better through her songs.
Franklin County should be proud to have such a rich selection of local talent, and we should feel honored to have our county represented in Nashville. Birmingham gets all the attention, what with American Idols Bo Bice, Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks.
It's about time some of that good news made its way to Russellville.
Angela is one of many from our county who have found success in Tennessee.
I am sure being down the street from the musically famous City of Muscle Shoals is major contributing factor as to why our county is rich in talent.
Muscle Shoals has a rich history, and is a part of the country music triangle, which also includes Memphis and Nashville, according to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.
In the 1960s and 1970s, many great songs were recorded in Muscle Shoals.
Artists like Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Michael Jackson, Reba McEntire and The Osmonds all recorded songs in Muscle Shoals.
Being next door to all that history had an impact on Franklin County.
In fact, the Hackers are familiar faces on the Muscle Shoals musical circuit.
It is my guess that our residents have worked hard to fine tune their natural talents because of the Muscle Shoals influence.
We look forward to seeing Angela in the spotlight, and look for the day that Zac has a record of his own because there is something to be said about coming in second.
I wish much success for Team Hacker and look forward to the day I hear their songs blaring across my car radio.
I'll stay tuned in.