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thedrifter
05-06-06, 12:20 PM
Voices from the Frontline--Brenham native takes part in soldiers' rap music album
By Gary Engel/Staff Reporter

Sometimes the best way to transmit an emotion is through music. And a young U.S. Marine from Brenham is doing just that, and getting national exposure for it.

LCpl. Michael Watts Jr., son of Michael and Jackie Watts Sr., has served three tours staring death in the face in Iraq. Now back in San Diego, awaiting the end of service to his country in about 50 days, he helped with a 21-cut compact disc of military personnel.

They sang and rapped about being a Marine, U.S. Army soldier or U.S. Navy sailor in harm's way, what it's like to take a life, and ways to say things to one's family in case the valiant American doesn't make it back home alive.

Approximately two years ago, while Michael Watts Jr. was in San Diego, “a producer put the word out around the bases” that he was looking for talent to assemble such a compilation, said Michael Watts Sr., and his son was one of those who eagerly stepped up to the microphone.

The CD, called “Voices From the Frontline,” is important, the elder Watts said, “because music is what is getting most of (the troops) by over there. It's how they entertain each other.”

Jackie Watts said Wal-Mart stores across the country are stocking the CD. She said she was told the Brenham Wal-Mart would have it last week.

But a check with the electronics department at the store early last week revealed that they have already sold a number of copies, and more were to arrive soon.

Michael Watts Jr., who served in the infantry in the USMC, said it makes him feel good to know that the package of music is being accepted like it is in his hometown.

“The Army, the Navy and the Marines all came together” to contribute to the CD, said Jackie Watts. There was plentiful talent to draw from thanks to the numerous military installations near San Diego.

Along with lending his voice, Jackie Watts said her son contributed a portion of the writing that went into “Voices ... “. Michael Watts Jr. confirmed that he had helped with the lyrics and note scales on four of the selections.

“He's always loved writing, even going back to junior high,” Jackie Watts said.

And she credited the Marine Corps Junior ROTC leaders at Brenham High School, Capt. Kenneth Tofel and Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Atkins, with their encouragement of the then-future “leatherneck” and professional musician.

“The CD will help people gain a better understanding of what it's like over there” in Iraq, said Jackie Watts.

Mr. and Mrs. Watts said the rapping, the music, the artists and their melodic mission were spotlighted on a Cable News Network television report last Saturday morning.

Michael Watts Jr. , a 2002 BHS graduate, said that after he unloads his M-16 rifle for the last time and hangs up his desert BDUs (battle dress uniform), “I'm going to stay out here (San Diego) for awhile and work on music.”

Thankfully, that's a long way from the “mean streets” of Iraq, and those who care for him are glad his fighting from now on will just involve battles to sign more recording contracts.

Of the music and the emotions poured out on “Voices From the Frontline,” Jackie Watts said, “It is just beautiful.”

Ellie