PEARSON

"I discovered him singing in the library, and was quite blown away by his talent. He's a natural... like a baby Luther Vandross." - KENNY COVINGTON

Sometimes the best treasures are not the ones found under the sand, it's the songs coming from the heart.

For Kenny Covington of the Cherokee County Library, it was just a matter of pure luck in finding out one of his longtime friends had a hidden talent.

"I discovered him singing in the library, and was quite blown away by his talent," Covington said. "He's a natural... like a baby Luther Vandross."

Though his fellow library employee is quite sure of his vocal skills, Leonard Pearson tries to keep himself modest and out of the limelight.

However, all eyes will be on him Jan. 13 as he and the John Floyd session players take the stage as part of the Cherokee County Public Library's ongoing music series, 'Music Sandwiched In.'

"Everything's going great as we get ready for the performance," Pearson said. "We've been practicing a lot and hope we can put on a good show."

Fort Lauderdale native John Floyd and his session players will accompany Leonard Pearson in his concert Tuesday at the Cherokee County Public Library.

According to Pearson, there have been whispers by people around town that they plan on attending the performance.

What they can expect to hear from Pearson and the Shelbybased band is a heavy dose of music paying homage to Motown and the great soul singers of the 1960s and 70s.

"We do plan on doing a lot of the Motown favorites," Pearson said, "but we also plan on throwing a little bit of everything out there.

"Anything is on the table, whether it be jazz, pop or the blues."

Among Pearson's favorite artists are Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight and Sam Cooke.

"These singers embody the spirit and soul of what music is all about," Pearson said. "The music is timeless and still relevant."

Pearson met musicians Floyd and his partner, Bob Stephens, in Shelby during one of their performances. Feeling that the duo meshed well with his own vocal talent, the three of them began working together.

"Working with them has been great," Pearson said. "I met them in Shelby and saw they were good. They've been every bit what I expected and hope we can continue making good music together."

Floyd, a native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has played bass for 30 years, having the opportunity to work with R&B legends Keith Sweat and Lil' G from the 1990s group 'Silk.' Stephens, who is also known as "Mr. Piano," was part of the quintessential 1970s soul group the 'Ohio Players.'

The two of them have worked together for two years.

Almost as excited about Pearson and his group's performance is Covington, who believes it could be a springboard toward bigger and better things for his friend and co-worker.

"He has a neo-soul vibe to him, and with all that he's doing I'm quite proud of him," Covington said. "This is a chance for us to show off his talent. Hopefully, it will lead to something bigger... with me maybe being his agent."

The event will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 13 at the Cherokee County Public Library's Gaffney branch on Rutledge Avenue from 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m.