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Josh Gracin

Music teacher Irene Fritz remembers the choral festival competition as a memorable moment for American Idol singer Josh Gracin “He had a potent combination of talent and tenacity. ”Says Josh, “Ms. Fritz introduced me to music and helped guide me in the right direction."

Behind Every Famous Person is a Fabulous Teacher.

Josh Gracin & Irene Fritz

Josh Gracin Josh Gracin has a diverse and impressive set of skills. The most obvious is the voice that captured the attention of millions of American Idol fans during his Season Two run on what has become an American cultural phenomenon. His all-American good looks, earnest charm and passionate vocal style earned him a devoted legion of fans.

The Michigan native auditioned for Idol (placing fourth on season two) while serving in the Marine Corps. Following his run on American Idol and the completion of his military service, he signed with Lyric Street Records and released his self-titled debut album Josh Gracin. The album's first three singles, [“I Want to Live,” “Nothin' to Lose,” and “Stay with Me (Brass Bed)”],all reached Top 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts, with "Nothin' to Lose", the second of those three, reaching No.1.

Having always had an independent streak, his artistic spirit has served him well. As a child, he listened to and sang Rhythm & Blues, Motown and oldies, then as a teen, leaned towards the country and rock genres. Gracin possesses a poet’s heart and an ex-Marine’s discipline and work ethic. It’s that potent combination of talent and tenacity that has set Gracin apart and is fueling the newest chapter in his career.

In his latest record, Redemption, Gracin pulls influence from his full history in music to portray his most honest and true album to-date. Redemption combines lyrics about the realities of every day life with the soulful vocal style that has always been at the heart of his artistry. This compelling collection was produced by Gracin and longtime musical collaborator, his drummer Kevin Murphy. All songs on the album are identifiable slices of life that listeners can readily embrace, including family life, lost love and romance.

Redemption shows the growth of Josh Gracin as a writer, producer and artist. From the early days of growing up in Michigan to now being a father of four, Josh has taken everything and poured it all into his music.

Irene Fritz had always wanted to be a music teacher. There was never anything she wanted to do more. From her first piano lesson at age 5 to learning to play the violin in the 3rd grade, her goal was set. She received a Bachelor of Music Degree from Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI and a Masters Degree from Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI.

Irene taught in the Wayne-Westland Community School District for 39 years until retiring in June of 2010. During her teaching career she taught elementary instrumental and vocal music, middle school vocal music and became the Choral Director at John Glenn High School in 1995. Irene directed choirs that have performed for President Bill Clinton, the Michigan School Board Fall Conference and for many civic and charitable organizations. Irene was named Westland Teacher of the Year in 2003.

Irene’s approach to teaching music was one of realism. She realized that the majority of her students would not become professional musicians, but she wanted her students to love music the way she loved it and use it to enhance their lives. Though their futures might take them in other directions, she knew that she had provided them with a love of music and many wonderful memories.

Now that she is retired many of her former students have contacted her saying that she was their favorite teacher, or that music was their favorite class. It makes Irene happy to know that they still remember the fun they had making music. “Teaching is truly a noble profession. You change the lives of every student you teach. There is no greater joy,” says Irene.

Josh Gracin was a student of Irene’s from kindergarten thru high school. While a member of the Glenn Singers at John Glenn High School, Westland, MI. “Josh worked very hard to perform some very difficult music. One year we were performing an unpublished work for Choral Festival in which he had a very high note to sing. He was the only tenor on that part so it was up to him to sing it perfectly. During rehearsals it had not gone well but he kept telling me he could do it. The day of competition arrived. I was worried but when the performance began, he smiled at me and proceeded to sing that note perfectly.

Afterward, he came up to me as proud as could be. He had attained his goal. It was a very memorable moment for me and for him because he learned that with hard work, determination, and confidence all things are possible,” recalls Irene.

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