The Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that John Berry will be the guest speaker at its annual banquet at 7 p.m., Thursday, January 27, 2009 at Lincoln County High School.

One of the greatest singers in country music wants you to listen to him in a whole new way.

Mention the name "John Berry" to just about any country music lover and the response will likely be, "What an awesome vocalist!" For he is noted for the intense passion he has brought to such hits as "Your Love Amazes Me" and "Standing on the Edge of Goodbye."

John Berry's wide-ranging tenor voice remains an instrument of stupendous power. "This is not about how long can a note be held," says Berry. "This is not about, 'Let me show you what I can do.' This is about the songs. This is about what these songs have got to say. This is about me communicating these messages. Having a conversation, and Let me tell you a story."

Berry is no stranger to great songs. Nor is he a novice in the recording studio. Born in South Carolina and raised in Georgia, he began playing guitar at 13, performing shows at age 14 and making records at age 19.

Between 1979 and 1990 he recorded and marketed six albums on his own labels. Those early discs and John Berry's strong regional popularity attracted attention on Music Row. Capitol Records signed him in 1992. Berry's co-written "A Mind of Her Own" and "Kiss Me in the Car" introduced him to radio audiences in 1993. Then "Your Love Amazes Me," "What's in It for Me" and "You and Only You" thrust him to stardom in 1994. "Standing on the Edge of Goodbye," "I Think About it All the Time" and "If I Had Any Pride Left at All" were all major hits the following year.

But it was his stunning performance of the title track of the 1995 CD O Holy Night that led to his most enduring legacy. John Berry began doing a Christmas tour that year. This year will mark his 13th consecutive holiday concert series. He has also issued three more Christmas-music collections.

Berry took "Change My Mind" into the country-music top-10 in 1996. "She's Taken a Shine" became an even bigger hit, a number 1, in 1997. He switched to Lyric Street Records in 1999, then to the Ark 21 label in 2000. In 2002, he returned to making records for his own company. Songs and Stories, a double CD issued that year, led to another concert series that continues to this day. On the "Songs and Stories" shows, he performs solo in intimate theater settings.

In addition to Berry, another highlight of the chamber banquet will be the presentation of the Lincolnton- Lincoln County Community Service Awards, which include Public Safety Officer of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Fireman of the Year, and Business of the Year.

Other groups and individuals who will be recognized during the course of the evening are The late Floyd Marlow and Mrs. Lavina Marlow, grand marshals of the 2008 Lincolnton Holiday Parade; the 2008 Chamber Board of Directors; the Director of the Year; and the New directors for 2009.

In closing remark, Melissa Burgess, Chamber President is trilled to have such a talented and strong singer come to Lincolnton! "I strongly encourage you to come out and hear him sing, speak, and put on a great show for Lincoln County! You won't be disappointed. I have been following him since I was a little girl and he has always put on a great show."

Tickets for the banquet are $20 each and may be purchased at the chamber office or from any chamber director, located in the Blanchard House at 112 N. Washington Street. The deadline is Tuesday, January 22, at 5 p.m.

Furthermore, tables for six to eight people may be reserved by calling the chamber at 706-359-7970.

The public is cordially invited to attend.