More Changes Coming for Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr.

The year 2011 brought huge changes in the life of Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr., and 2012 will bring even more.

The 2011 winner of America’s Got Talent hit the road running at full speed. His Caesar’s Palace debut made a monstrous splash and Murphy’s first album, “That’s Life,” has received critical acclaim. While it debuted at #34, it has spent almost 100 days on the Top 100 list and in the top 5 on the Jazz list on Amazon.com. His “That’s Life” tour has consistently played to sold out houses.

Since his win, he has performed on The Today Show, The View, The Talk, ESPN's State Farm Classic, Piers Morgan Tonight and The Wendy Williams Show. In addition, he entertained at the Hollywood Christmas Parade.

"I didn't think anything could top 2011, but it looks like 2012 is going to be a great year for me and my family," said Landau, who washed cars at a dealership before winning the NBC talent program in Sept. 2011. "I love to sing and I love my fans and I can't get enough of either one!"

Landau kicked off his "That's Life" tour in early December, selling-out 14 tour dates. “'Landau Mania' is like nothing we've ever experienced," said Lakin Cook, director of performing arts for The Clay Center in Charleston, W.V. "Of all the amazing artists who have graced our stage, none have sparked such great enthusiasm from fans or brought about such an overwhelming demand for tickets," she said.

In addition to his album and touring successes, Landau was recently named The West Virginian of the Year, an award usually given to politicians, humanitarians, CEOs and scholars. "Murphy's success on 'America's Got Talent' wasn't just a big win for a small-town guy. It was a proud moment for the entire state," wrote the Sunday Gazette-Mail newspaper in Charleston in bestowing the honor on Landau.

"Who would have thought a car washer could stand a chance and be included with such amazing people?" said Landau in response. "This is truly a remarkable honor and something I will cherish my entire life. I will continue to do all that I can to give back to my community and state. Without their support, I would not be where I am today."

City leaders of Logan have announced that they will be naming a street in his honor in the near future. Landau spent his early childhood in Logan, where his father was a coal miner. He sang with local bands and raised money for a local charity, the Children's Home Society of West Virginia, while supporting himself as a "new car detailer." He sang for his colleagues with Sinatra tunes as they worked and eventually, at the urging of his friends and his wife, Jennifer, he entered America's Got Talent. And the rest, as they say, is history.

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