Local to tryout for ‘The Voice’

Published 12:10 am Monday, July 20, 2015

By Morgan Mizell

NATCHEZ — Singing has always been a part of life for Elvin Frye Jr. Now, he is seeking the community’s help to raise the funds to get to Los Angeles and audition for The Voice.

Since the age of 2, he has hummed and sung, sometimes without realizing he is doing so. He sang for the first time, for an audience, at the same age.

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“My mom, and other members of the family, said I have always sung,” Frye said. “It is really kind of a miracle to be able to do so, because of the fact I was born premature and have had chronic asthma and bronchitis as a child.”

Throughout his early years in the choir, Frye was prone to coughing fits lasting hours.

“A lot of times people were concerned, because I would just continue to cough so long, and I didn’t know how it would affect me,” Frye said. “I thank God for the gift of my voice, and I grew out of the asthma.”

Frye has been involved in a church choir since his childhood, and has been asked to lead song and worship, and use his talents frequently.

“I was always being asked to do something, and it kind of got to me,” Frye said. “I didn’t realize my mother’s persistence to use my gift would pay off for me, eventually.”

After being involved with the Natchez High School Choir, under the direction of Joyce Arceneaux-Mathis and Darlene Gilbert, Elvin graduated in 2011. His hard work and talent earned him a full scholarship to Alcorn State University where he has been a full-time student working on a degree in vocal performance.

“I got into college by using my voice,” Frye said. “Once I got into ASU, music became everything. I started to really get into it and learn the theory behind it. I love it.”

Frye began to work hard and apply everything he was learning in school. He had a goal to make it in the music world.

“I used to think Gospel music was the way to get out there and be heard, but I realize a lot of people don’t have the same beliefs I do,” Frye said. “I want my music to be that of inspiration, motivation and encouragement. I don’t want anything to hinder people from hearing it. So I would say my music is just that – motivational.”

Frye has auditioned for other opportunities. He most recently auditioned for American Idol, but was told he was not exactly what they were looking for. He had been turned down so many times, he was nearly ready to stop trying.

“My cousin, Amysa Hawkins, told me about this audition for The Voice,” Frye said. “She has been on me for a while about it. I decided I would give it another shot. You have to go through the process to get to the promise.”

Frye has taken the criticism he has gotten and used it as motivation to ready himself for his next audition. He recently left his job at Magnolia Bluffs Casino, for health reasons.

“I practice every day,” Frye said. “I want to make it to the top, so I can help others who are coming from the bottom.”

The audition is Saturday. Frye will leave on Thursday.

“The trip is going to cost about $1,500,” Elvin said. “I have set up a gofundme account, and I am appreciative of anything I get.”

Frye has one year left at ASU to get his bachelor’s degree, and said he will finish his degree no matter the outcome of this audition.

“I am working hard, and trying to make this dream a reality,” Frye said. “I have faith, but there is no point in having faith without working for it. As they say, Faith without works is dead.”

Anyone wishing to donate to Frye’s fund can email him, efrye28@yahoo.com; mail checks to Elvin Frye, Jr., 15 Village Square, Apt#30, Natchez, MS 39120 or log onto his online account, www.gofundme.com/xpetj8.