Best Scotty Story

Posted: May 20, 2011

Have you ever met Scotty McCreery? I’ll give a prize to the person with the best Scotty encounter story.

Perhaps, you have met Scotty at Lowes Foods in Garner where he worked prior to his American Idol fame. Maybe you went to school with him or know his parents. Give us your best Scotty story and we will keep a running list.

I had a Scotty encounter last December in Smithfield at the Christmas show at Johnston County Community College where I performed. Scotty and his mom Judy watched the show and bought a signed copy of my Christmas CD. Little did I know that this smiling, humble and bright-eyed teenager would be wowing America in just a few months with his powerful voice and downhome charm. After our meeting I became Facebook friends with Scotty’s parents Judy and Mike McCreery. I thought you might enjoy reading what Judy wrote to me yesterday after I asked them if I could use some of their Facebook photos of Scotty for the slideshow:

"I think that would be fine. There are also other photos at foxflash.com. The News Observer just posted one on their blog of Scotty taken at Lake Benson in 2000 when he was just 6! Bill, just an FYI if you are ever looking for fun facts about Scotty...he has relatives throughout NC. His middle name "Cooke" is for his grandfather R.P. Cooke's family from Halifax County. He was a retired state trooper who passed away a few years ago. His grandma Janet Cooke ( seen on a show) still lives on a small farm in Elizabeth City. His McCreery grandparents,( Bill and Paquita also featured on a show,) live in Aberdeen. His sister, Ashley, attends UNC-Charlotte. My husband Mike, Scotty's dad, graduated from NCSU but I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill. Yes, my Tar Heel friends are upset I was unable to convert Scotty!! But I did wear Carolina blue when I was at Doak Field last Saturday! My point is Scotty is a NC boy through and through. On a side note, you met Scotty and signed one of your Christmas CDs for us last year at JCC! We even listened to it on the way to Aberdeen last Christmas morning. We love your Celtic whistle! It is magical...thx for saying hi. We really miss NC!"

What a wonderful family! Isn’t it nice when good things happen to such great people!

Image of Hope Posted: September 10, 2012

Charming Southport Posted: August 14, 2012

My trip to Charlotte Posted: July 30, 2012

15 Comments

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I am one of his Supervisors at Work. Judy is also the relater who sold my parents the house we live in.I remember a little after his was aloud to talk about American Idol he brought his guitar in and sang a few songs while customer's were getting rung up. who knew months later thousands of people would be standing in our store just to get a glimpse of him and a pic with his cutout

minimanf91
May 23, 2011 10:19 a.m.

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I have never met Scotty in person but he sure hooked me the moment I saw his first audition on "idol". His interview with the judges when he said "I wasn't the man I should have been" referring to the group rounds made me realize that he has much more than a great voice. He has scruples ... and that's a very rare commodity in the entertainment industry today. My best Scotty story is that he has me watching a show every single night it's on that I've never watched before. I'm looking forward to buying his albums!

flapeds
May 23, 2011 9:11 a.m.

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I was Scotty's 1st grade teacher! I remember the 6-year old Scotty as a smart, respectful, Elvis-loving little guy with a great sense of humor. But my favorite "Scotty Story" is actually when he was in 4th grade. Each student in his class was asked to write an essay about someone they were thankful for in their lives. That person was then invited to a "Thankful Tea". As it turned out, Scotty wrote his essay about me, and sent me an invitation to the Tea. I was the only teacher at the Tea, as most students wrote about a parent, grandparent, or sibling. I still have the essay, and pulled it out when I learned that Scotty was going to be on American Idol. I am hoping he might autograph the essay for me one day! Not only was this one of my favorite "Scotty stories", but it was also one of my most treasured moments as a teacher.

Priceless!

tcndc2
May 23, 2011 6:33 a.m.

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ejoevanic

Tell you kids that Scotty IS in school. Underage contestants on Idol must continue their education while competing. Scotty has a tutor and is still an honor student!

Higgins
May 22, 2011 6:50 p.m.

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This is my 1st year of watching "the whole thing" and voting. Scotty is such a good positive role model for young teens, and boy are they few and far between. He's well-rounded, humble, and moral...and loves God and country.

Little late to say this I suppose, but I sure would love to hear him sing "When You Say Nothing at All" (Keith Whitely), Why Don't We Just Dance" (Josh Turner), and especially "The Dashboard" (Chris Young).

Good luck, Scotty. You're a winner already in my book!

BreBoy
May 22, 2011 6:16 p.m.

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While I haven't had the opportunity to meet Scotty yet, I still feel like I know him. He reminds of my son when he was 17 years old. They both are baseball players and pitchers, Christians, and they both love to sing. Also they are not afraid to stand up for their beliefs no matter what circumstances they might face. I have enjoyed watching Scotty on American Idol. He has remained humble and always acknowledges God for his talent while always showing respect for others even when he receives critism. This is the first year that I have ever voted for anyone on American Idol. I just think that if America is going to have an "idol" or role model, that Scotty is the perfect one! I'm praying for him to have much success and a wonderful life.

Shagger
May 22, 2011 7:23 a.m.

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Anyone know where Scotty had his haircut (in Garner?)? My youngest son is such a huge fan, he wants a "Scotty haircut" and would be thrilled if I took him to the same place as Scotty. He'd also love to have a similar cross pendant to the one Scotty wears. Can't say I mind indulging his interests given that Scotty is such a great role model. Although it's hard to explain to my boys why he's not in school! :)

ejoevanic
May 21, 2011 10:30 p.m.

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jlcarroll74
May 20, 2011 9:03 p.m.

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His mom was a sorority girl of my moms at the Alpha Delta Phi sorority in Chapel Hill! :) Go Heels! :)

tennispro
May 20, 2011 3:56 p.m.

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Life was full of adventure living beside the McCreery's. Growing up together, we have had lots of stories. One favorite was that my son John and Scotty had a band. John sang and Scotty played the drums. Now, John does not sing (at all) and considers it a priviledge just to pull the curtain for a musical. I'm not sure how Scotty has progressed with drumming. On a trip to DC, Scotty became alarmingly lost in the Smithsonian-Natural Science museum among the dinasour collection. He finally spotted John one floor down because John was wearing his bright red Carolina Hurricanes coat. And, I must add that Santa always brought the kids the same things each year for Christmas. We still laugh about these simple stories and many more even today. It's been a great journey--we love you McCreery's--the Walsh's.

leeawalsh
May 20, 2011 3:29 p.m.

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