An Up and Coming Country Western Star From the Rio Grande Valley

Casey Emmanuel Cantu professionally known as Casey Emmanuel grew up in a musical environment. He was born in McAllen. His father, Casimiro, played with a well known local band called "The Tumbleweed Band" which played Tejano and Western music, before Casey was born. As an infant his mother recalls he would beat his foot to songs on the radio while riding in the car. At about the fifth grade he learned to play the guitar and train his voice under the guidance of his father and a friend, Rueben Zamora.

After attending the nationally recognized High School for Health Professions in Mercedes he went on to attend the SAE-Institute in Nashville which has produced many well known country western stars. Now 20 years old, Casey is working with his producer Johnny Garcia to promote his professional career. He has produced videos for his orginal songs in the Rio Grande Valley. Currently a semi-finalist in the Next Great American Country Star Competition he is waiting to see if he goes to the finals in August.

He resides in Edinburg but will likely be returning to Nashville in the future. Although his style of music is country western he says he has been influenced by R&B, Jazz, and of course the Tejano sounds of the Valley. One of his favorite singers is Garth Brooks. Currently he is single but has a steady girlfriend.

His first album, "Waiting for the Future" has been out for a short time from Crazy Hat Records. One is struck by the smooth deep singing voice possessed by such a young man. Listening to his songs and watching his videos you have to believe his career is just beginning its certain road to success. We wish this talented Valley native the best of luck and we will continue report on his upcoming successes.

Casey will be appearing with Shannon Sauceda also from the Valley in the upcoming movie
Broken Promises directed by Eddie Howell.

Vote for him at GAC Contest. His website is http://myspace.com/caseyemmanuel

by TM