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Right out of high school I was the singer of a rock band. We never paid a great deal of attention to karaoke and only frequented bars where live bands filled the stage. By 22, however, the band had dissolved and I was in central Nebraska.

One night I was shooting darts in the local bowling alley bar with a friend of mine when I heard the DJ asking for people to put in their songs for karaoke. This was amusing to Chris and I at the time so we put in to do a version of Wayne Newton's "Danka Shane" that would have made the legendary entertainer cringe. As it was the crowd at the bar loved it. We exited the stage to the sound of much laughter and applause.

Encouraged by the reception of our first song we put in "Friends in Low Places" by Garth Brooks. At that time a version existed with different lyrics mocking Jeffrey Daumer. Again there was laughter a plenty. People were having a great time and so were we. No it wasn't singing in a band but it was a blast all the same.

Chris and I decided to leave the crowd on a high note and return to our dart board. Several songs later that same DJ mentioned a karaoke contest that night where the winner could earn $50 "cold hard cash". I had to enter.

My name was eventually called and I began to make my way to the stage. The laughter and hollers grew louder as I approached the stage. The Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive" started with it's familiar guitar intro. The crowd quieted but just a bit. Then I began to sing...really sing.

There was silence at first. Then at the first musical break the packed bowling alley bar erupted with cheers and applause. I had chills all over as I went into the next verse. It was amazing and I was hooked on karaoke.

I spent the rest of the night singing duets when asked and doing songs by request. I lost the contest that evening but it didn't matter. I had found a new love in the world that is karaoke.

Almost 15 years later now and my wife and I still enjoy going to a good karaoke bar. Our wedding reception was complete with a karaoke DJ. Everyone had a blast and we still have the CD of everyone's performances.

I will never be in another band. I have three kids and two jobs and way too much to do in the course of a week. What I can still do, however, is go to the local pub here in town and sing every Saturday night the wife and I can get away. And I still warm up with "Wanted Dead or Alive".

Learn more about this author, Gregory Mayo.
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