Willis Earl Beal

Overview

His soulful voice could stir emotion even if he was speaking gibberish, but Willis Earl Beal's story is also well worth a listen. In display of grassroots ascent all but unheard of these days Beal found fame after he found himself living on the streets of Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he moved from Chicago in 2007 to try land a job.

He eventually found one at a motel, and in a moment of Carly Rae Jepsen audaciousness scattered hand drawn flyers listing his phone number and address: "My name is Willis Earl Beal. Call me and I'll sing you a song. Write to me and I'll draw you a picture." Found Magazine called him, interviewed him and featured his flyer on the cover, and three years later his debut album of home recordings, Acousmatic Sourcery, was released.

The most interesting thing about this guy though is what he might do next. And that's what you'll get a hint of come January.