Showcasing the Heart Behind the Music, The Ritz Theatre on the square in Talladega is hosting The Heart Behind the Music songwriter showcase Friday, November 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Located at 115 Court Square North in Talladega tickets are $23 and can be purchased at www.ritztalladega.com.

Legends like Teddy Gentry; co-founder of country music sensation, Alabama, Grammy-award-winning Billy Dean, gospel and legendary man of Muscles Shoals Lenny LeBlanc along with newcomer country crooner Sam Hunt will take center stage to tell their stories.

These men will share their experience with the music industry and play the songs that have served as many people’s soundtrack of their lives.

Inspired by his dad and Hank Williams, Billy Dean developed a passion for country music.

“My dad had a band for 28 years,” said Dean. “He taught me three cords on a guitar.”

One of the first songs Dean remembers, “speaking” to him was Hall & Oates’ Rich Girl.

Laughing, Dean says, “I was in love with a rich girl then that wouldn’t give me the time of day.”

As for what inspires him lyrically, Dean loves writing with females.

“They’re better lyricists than I am,” said Dean. “I like stream of conscience writing, off the top of my heart, with lyrics as clear and simple as possible.”

When looking for a writing partner, Dean looks for someone with a good hook. But, what drives him is a seasoned writer.

Achieving what many never do, winning a Grammy, Dean compares that experience to being in a fraternity or an exclusive club.

“The night before the Grammy’s they have a party just for the nominees. Artists only,” said Dean. “It was such an experience to be surrounded by all these amazing artists.”

Citing Zac Brown Band, Thompson Square, Jake Owen (they bonded because they’re Florida boys) Ashley Monroe, Jamie O’Neal and Erich Church as artists that perk his ears up, Dean calls O’Neal a pure singer and thinks Church’s song Homeboy is well written.

Honored to have recently shared the stage with acts he grew up admiring, The Oak Ridge Boys and the Gatlin Brothers, Dean classified that experience as a pinch me moment.

Excited to share his authentic story telling songs at the Heart Behind the Music Songwriter Showcase at The Ritz, Dean will share songs from his latest project, A Man of Good Fortune, which he calls “music for grown ups with a young sound.”

“It’s a pretty positive,” said Dean. “I still like to have a lot of fun. I want fans to be uplifted and smile.”

An up and coming singer who’s recently earned his first songwriting acclaim with Kenny Chesney’s number one hit, Come Over, former UAB quarterback Sam Hunt is looking to turn to the mike.

“The morning the song was released on radio, I kept getting lots of texts, so I got in my car, turned it on and Come Over was the first song I heard,” said Hunt. “I’m not sure exactly how to describe it. It was cool.”

Penning the song with co-writers Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, this was Hunt and Osborne’s first number one single.

“There’s really not any other pair of folks I’d rather write with,” said Hunt. “I’d choose them over anybody.”

As for his songwriting process, Hunt says it all starts with an idea.

“It can come at any point and time. While I’m watching a movie or getting coffee, I just log the ideas I have for potential songs,” Hunt said.

For those looking to break into the music business, especially country music songwriting, Hunt advises (first and foremost) moving to Nashville.

Busy writing songs for his album that Hunt aims to have out by spring or summer of 2013, he looks forward to sharing what he enjoys with his audience.

Honored to share the stage with Teddy Gentry, Billy Dean and Lenny LeBlanc at Heart Behind the Music, Hunt says he thinks a lot of these musicians.

“Coming from the sports world, this is validating that I made the right choice by stepping into the music world,” Hunt said.

Muscle Shoals legend Lenny LeBlanc who was once set to tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd, had a life-changing event occur when his one-time drug smuggling friend found God.

Calling himself “bankrupt as a person,” LeBlanc was intrigued by his friend. After receiving a Bible from this friend, within a month LeBlanc’s life was changed forever.

“I needed something bigger than myself to direct my path,” said LeBlanc. “I discovered God is real and wanted to relay my experience.”

Describing his journey to gospel music. LeBlanc details an experience he had recording.

“I sang background on Amy Grant’s first record,” said LeBlanc. “It sounded like pop, but it had spiritual lyrics. I thought this is different. It had a subconscious effect on me. It was all a part of God’s plan.”

Throughout his body of work, his 1999 “I Believe” is one LeBlanc’s most proud of because it’s his story.

“This is a song that not only tells my story, but also frames my whole belief in Christ,” LeBlanc said.

LeBlanc has advise for aspiring artists, “Do it because you love it, not for the money. Pursue it as a passion.”

Inspired by his surroundings, Muscle Shoals is as LeBlanc describes, a very creative place.

“I moved here in 1973 because of that,” said LeBlanc. “It’s a great place to be in. It’s inspiring to be around such talented people.”

What makes a great song for LeBlanc is simple—“it’s a perfect marriage between the lyrics and melody that depicts and tells the story.”

“A great song will leave you wanting to hear it over and over again,” said LeBlanc. “Then you want your friends to hear it.”

Jazzed to perform with Billy Dean and Sam Hunt (who he’s never met), LeBlanc looks forward to sharing the stage with longtime friend Teddy Gentry.

“I want people in Talladega (and its surrounding areas) to know this is going to be a great night,” said LeBlanc. “There’s something special about when you get to hear the writer perform the song. Something special happens. It’s just magical.”