By Kessa Albright, staff writer

A storytelling country singer out of Branson, Mo., will perform at the Albert Lea American Legion Club on Friday.

Sheldon Tucker last year had a show in the little Missouri town known for live music. The show, performed with Susan Hudson Carmon, was called “The Fountain of Faith.” This year, Tucker is on the road. He already has arrived in Albert Lea.

Before coming to Albert Lea, he was in Illinois and told friend Mary Ann Peterson, who lives in town, that he would have to drive all night to get here. Tucker and his wife, Jocille, tour together. She controls their sound equipment while he performs.

“He’s a very good singer and just a real good guy,” Peterson said.

Tucker performs a combination of country, western, pop, gospel and rock ’n’ roll. His voice ranges from rich baritone to clear tenor. He tells comedic stories from his own experiences during his act, too. His favorite genre while touring is gospel, according to a press release.

He is slated to perform at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at Nelson’s Marketplace and Hy-Vee.

The last 25 years Tucker has traveled across the country performing in places ranging from state fairs to RV parks.

Tucker has performed in plays, and he used to pastor churches in Oregon, Idaho, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Missouri.

Peterson said that audience members can arrive at the American Legion early to get good seats and order dinner. After the show Tucker will be available to meet and sign autographs.

The performance is a fundraiser for the American Legion, which is in fund campaign so it can pay down its debt and back taxes.