Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.
Murphy performing in December 2011
Background information
Born	(1974-08-11) August 11, 1974 (age 50)
Origin	Logan County, West Virginia, United States
Genres	Jazz
Occupation(s)	Singer
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	2010–present
Labels	Sony (2011–present) Columbia (2011–present)
Partner(s)	Peyton Konchesky

Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. (born August 11, 1974) is an American jazz singer from Logan County, West Virginia. He became famous after winning the sixth season of the TV show America's Got Talent on NBC. Since winning in 2011, Landau has released four albums. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he earned his high school diploma. He now helps promote adult education in West Virginia. Landau even offers a scholarship at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College. He also hosts many charity events in West Virginia. Landau has performed worldwide, including in Shanghai, China, and Dubai. He continues to perform across the country and has a special Holiday tour each year. In 2014, he was named one of the Jaycees Ten Outstanding Young Americans.

Early Life and Journey

Landau Murphy Jr. left high school in his junior year. For 20 years, he worked different jobs in Detroit, Michigan, and West Virginia. Before becoming famous, his home was robbed in 2010. This event led him to audition for America's Got Talent in the only clothes he had left.

America's Got Talent Journey

In November 2010, Landau traveled to New York City to audition for America's Got Talent. He was chosen as the winner on September 14, 2011. His winning performance was the song "My Way", made famous by Frank Sinatra. He won the grand prize of $1 million. After his win, he began performing as a headliner in Las Vegas.

Performances and Results

Music Career

That's Life Album

After winning America's Got Talent, Landau signed with Sony Records and Columbia Records. He released his first album, That's Life, on November 21, 2011. The album quickly reached number 34 on the Billboard 200 chart. It also hit number one on the Billboard jazz charts. By May 2017, the album had sold 156,000 copies.

Many people compare Landau's singing style to Frank Sinatra, an artist he greatly admires. Most songs on That's Life are classic Sinatra tunes. Landau said he hopes his music brings back happy memories for older fans. He also hopes to create new memories for younger generations. The album That's Life was produced by Steve Tyrell, who also loves Sinatra's music.

Live Performances

As part of his America's Got Talent prize, Landau performed at the Colosseum Theater in Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. He has also performed at the Apollo Theater in New York. Other performances include the DTE Energy Center in Detroit with The Temptations. He has headlined at the West Virginia and California State Fairs. Landau also performed at the Super Bowl and the Hollywood Christmas Parade. He has done many sold-out shows across the USA, often supporting local charities.

Landau has appeared on many TV shows. These include The Today Show, Anderson Cooper, The View, and The Talk. He has also sung the national anthem at Madison Square Garden. He performed it before a West Virginia University/LSU game. Landau continues to give concerts regularly.

Giving Back to the Community

Supporting Education

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Landau used his free time wisely. He went back to school and earned his high school diploma. Now, he works to help other adults get their education in West Virginia. He supports the West Virginia Department of Education's "It's Never Too Late to Graduate" campaign. Landau also offers the Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. Scholarship. This scholarship helps students at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College in his hometown.

Charity Work

Since his time on America's Got Talent, Landau has hosted many charity events. These events help different causes across West Virginia. In 2014, he was recognized for his good deeds. He was listed in the Jaycees Ten Outstanding Young Americans list. This award honors young people who have made a big difference.

Music Albums

Singles

Albums