It all began with a lost bet...

Nancy wanted to be a singer ever since she was a child singing with a hairbrush microphone to Diana Ross and Herman’s Hermits. But she believed what everyone told her: Fantasies are nice, but get real: go to school, get married, have babies. That’s what good girls do. That was the path her life had taken, but deep down inside her love of music was strong. Eventually she joined the church choir and thought she had found her niche. When she was singing she felt alive!

She worked with a man who was the exact opposite! George loved KISS and Elvis and wrestling, and he hosted a karaoke show. Daily this man kept pestering Nancy to go sing karaoke with him. She kept refusing, saying, “I don’t go to bars! I go to church! I sing in the choir! I teach Sunday School! I will never go sing karaoke with you!!!” After two years she decided to get him off her back so she said, “I’ll tell ya what. You come to church with me and I’ll sing karaoke with you.” (Thinking there was no way this man would grace a church with his presence.) So, feeling pretty proud of herself next Sunday she steps out into the choir loft and guess who’s sitting on the amen row? Yep, you guessed it. Nancy’s heart sank. She lost the bet! Oh, no!! Now what? Being a woman of her word Nancy gathered up 3 of the biggest male reinforcements from church she could find and ventured into the bar that next weekend. Her first experience at karaoke was not good. She was off pitch! She was off beat! She was scared to death! After a couple of beers and 3 songs later it was getting a little better, but far from great! But the seed had been planted and was already starting to grow. She liked singing solo! She liked the microphone in her hand! She really liked the applause! A karaoke addict was born!! But soon, karaoke wouldn’t be enough ! ! 

Jimmy first got interested in singing to help his brother get started. Together they worked on their voices until his brother got disinterested. Jimmy kept at it. He worked for months, teaching himself how to sing and developing his ear. He learned about pitch and modulation and emotion. He built a home studio one piece at a time. He entered local contests (such as the Stockyards Stampede) and has won numerous trophies, cash and other prizes! After a failed marriage of 19 years and a serious medical condition Jimmy had lost his zest for life. He turned away from singing and basically was just existing. Then one day he thought, “Well, I can either sit here and feel sorry for myself or go out and try to have some fun.” So he headed out with a friend for line dance lessons and a karaoke bar, where he ran into another friend who was celebrating his girlfriend‘s birthday. Funny how things work out !

In August 2004, Nancy’s co-worker, George, was dating a girl whose birthday was the same as hers. They invited Nancy to a local bar to celebrate. Well, Nancy drove around the area of that bar for 45 minutes before working up the courage to go in. She thought, “Ok…if they aren’t in there I’ll just leave. If they are there I’ll drink a beer and then go back home.” (Such a party animal she was!) While sitting at the table, she looked up and saw George talking to a man. Nancy looked at him briefly and thought, “hmmm...nice face!” Then turned away. Well, the place was packed and there were no tables for this man and his friend to sit so they asked if they could join the group. As the night went on Nancy and Jimmy began to build a bond that would turn into an amazing relationship. Jimmy’s experience with singing and his ear for music prompted him to begin working with Nancy’s vocals. Out & About was formed! 

Over the next several years they have won numerous awards, both individually and as a duet. Most recently they won State Competition with the Country Music Singer’s Association and represented Oklahoma in the New Country Duo category in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee at the North American Country Music Association International Competition where they won 2008 Most Promising Duo, New Country!!! They are currently looking for original songs and working on a demo. Nancy is no longer bar-phobic! Thanks to adult stem cells Jimmy’s health keeps improving! They are continuing to gain experience and attention and are quickly becoming local favorites! Keep your ears tuned for this duo as they get “Out & About” in your area!