Blytheville/Gosnell/Armorel-area soil has produced more than cotton and soybeans over the years.
It is home to a number of talented individuals who have made it big in the entertainment industry.
Gosnell native Emily Banks is the latest to chase the dream. She was seen by millions in the 2011 film, "J. Edgar," playing a 1920s era protester. As an extra, she worked for two days with director Clint Eastwood, a pretty neat experience, I imagine.
Blytheville native Dana Lambert is also getting some fame on CBS's hit reality show "Survivor."
The CN recently featured both Banks and Lambert, the latest with local ties to make a name for themselves.
Here are some other recognizable names -- now or in the future, hopefully.
-- George Hamilton. The man with the everlasting golden tan was raised in Blytheville. Before becoming a big star on -- and off -- the big screen, Hamilton was just another young man in little Blytheville, Ark. He's now a Hollywood icon. Hamilton hasn't forgotten his hometown, however. "It's where I will be buried, and it's where I come from," he was quoted in the Commercial Appeal four years ago. "I buried my mother there, my brother there, my grandfather, my grandmother -- it's the very earth where I'm going to be."
-- Tim Rogers and the Fellas. Pastor Tim Rogers has made a name for himself in the Gospel music world. The award-winning musician has released several hit songs; Harlem, N.Y., has honored him with "Pastor Tim Day." He is about to release his third album. Pastor Tim has been nominated in five categories for the Stellar Awards. He has brought some big names to Blytheville as well. Pastor Tim is one of several talented Rogers, including Barbara Rogers Mitchell.
-- Bam Rogers. Lamont "Bam" Rogers has performed on some big stages. The Blytheville native has made a couple of appearances on BET, including the network's flagship program, "106 & Park." Last year he performed at the 19th Annual Showcase of the South in Atlanta with a number of other talented artists. He certainly has the potential to add another star to his hometown's portfolio.
-- Mary Gay Shipley. I don't know that Mary Gay has made a big splash in the entertainment industry, but she sure has in the book industry, which allowed her to bring a number of celebrities to Blytheville. Bill and Hillary Clinton. Laura Bush. John Grisham. Pat Conroy. Condoleezza Rice. George Hamilton. That Bookstore in Blytheville has hosted each one on that pretty distinguished list.
-- Fred Akers. Many may not know it, but legendary football coach Fred Akers was born in Blytheville. He starred at the University of Arkansas as a running back, kicker and punter. Akers is best remembered as coaching the Hogs' biggest rival -- the University of Texas -- from 1977-1986. The Hall of Fame coach compiled a record of 108-75-3 (.581) in 16 years on the sidelines -- twice leading the Longhorns through undefeated seasons, though they lost their bowl game each time.
-- Jermey Parnell. Gosnell's former all-state basketball player got some airtime last night on NBC, playing for the Dallas Cowboys in their season-opening win over the New York Giants. The 6-foot-6, 305-pound Parnell plays tackle for the Cowboys. He may never be a Hall of Fame lineman like Wilson native Cortez Kennedy, but playing on the NFL level is nothing to sneeze at.
-- Michael Utley. Born in Blytheville, Utley is the musical director for Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band. I'm sure he has some stories to tell.
-- Albert B. Feldstein. Best known for his work at EC Comics and as editor for the satirical Mad magazine, Feldstein had his basic training in Blytheville while in the Air Force.
-- Dee Clark. Born in Blytheville, Clark is best known for singing the ballad, "Raindrops."
-- Junior Walker. The famous R&B saxophonist was born in Blytheville in the early 1930s. He became one of Motown's signature acts.
-- Chris Echols. Chickasaw fans will always remember Echols' monster dunks and MVP performance in the 2006 basketball state championship game. But his pipes may be even better than his basketball skills, believe it or not. He has been making music and chasing the dream since graduating at BHS.
-- MiChele Green. Early this summer, Blytheville Middle School music teacher MiChele Green recorded a full-length studio album at the famed Dark Horse Recording studio in Nashville. MiChele has an incredible voice and the talent that rivals those who have already made it big, in my opinion.
Certainly, this isn't an all-inclusive list. These are just a few examples of talent grown and shaped in this area.
Pretty fertile soil if you ask me.
mbrasfield@blythevillecourier.com