By Eddie D. Gillis

Langston Malone is a young man who loves music. It all started hearing his mother sing in a choir that she formed called "We sing for Christ" when he was around six years old. Malone says that when he was nine years old, his mother had him take piano lessons from a well known teacher in the area. Malone said that he took lessons for about 5 months, learning the "fundamentals" of playing the piano. He must have become hooked on playing the piano, because by the age of 11, he said that he basically "self-taught" himself further on the piano and that he could play music by ear, as he was playing the piano for various churches in the area. Malone said that his mother was always there to encourage him, but at some time while playing the piano, he took an interest in playing the organ. He said that for him, it "was easier" to play the organ than the piano, because he could determine the right pitch and when he heard a certain note, he could readily identify it and play that note. Malone said that playing the organ was challenging starting off, going from piano to organ, but he was "able to master" the organ at such a young age. He was 14 when he started, much younger than others who play the organ for churches who are incredibly good at their craft.

When asked how he was able to learn and master both the piano and organ being so young, Malone acknowledged his talent, but said that "it was a gift" from God. He continues to play even now today at his home church, King Ollie B.C. located on Harvester Dr. at the "ripe old age" of 18. For most, starting at an age as young as Malone doing the same thing, might seem long, but he says that it is something that he loves doing. He loves music. When asked what was one of his goals in life, Malone said that he wanted to have a career in music. He said that he wants to one day write his own songs and produce them. He also said that he would like to "work with professionals" and eventually go on tour. He said that one of his favorite artists in the music world (not just gospel), is Grammy winning artist P.J. Morton, son of renown pastor/singer Paul Morton out of New Orleans. Malone said that he also wants to sing the songs that he writes. Asked if he had a message for young people his age, Malone said that he would tell them, "If there is something that you want in life, have confidence that you can reach your goal. Anything that you set your mind on, believe that you can attain your goal and don't let anything stop you. Believe in yourself". The Carroll High School senior will graduate in May 2021 and has his sights set on Grambling University. He wants to be, you guessed it, a part of the music department.