He picks up his dark blue guitar, clears his throat and his left foot begins to tap the floor in a steady purposeful beat. He announces the title: “America.” He strums the guitar strings creating soothing cords for a moment, then starts in with the harmonica. His whole demeanor changes as he starts to play. He appears comfortable and confident.
He whistles a slow, almost trance-like rendition of “Hail to the Chief” through his harmonica. As he finishes the melody he holds the final note for a long moment. Then in a very slow melodic voice, he sings “America, land of the free.” He pauses, still playing his guitar, looking thoughtful. Then in the same slow deliberate voice sings “Also of the average joe.”
Norris writes songs about presidents he considers average joes. He’s written three songs so far, and plans to have ten by the end of the year so he can put together an album. He spends about a month delving into their biographies, learning everything he can. Then, as he puts it, he “throws it all out the window” to write his song. Most of his lyrics about the lesser known presidents include lesser known facts like Calvin Coolidge’s long afternoon naps.
“I want to be rich and famous, or at least make an album for my friends and family to enjoy,” Norris said.
He attunes himself to the same unlikely characters that writes about. But if fame and fortune don’t work out he has a back up plan: a PHD in molecular, cellular and developmental biology. Norris is 23 years old. He graduated from the University of Southern California on a full-ride scholarship. His grades were high enough for him to skip his masters degree when he came to the University of Kansas to work on his doctorate degree.
His first step to fame came about a month ago, when his song "Old Tippecanoe" aired on the “Whad’Ya Know” show on National Public Radio. The show was hosting a mock American Idol contest called “Whad’Ya Idol.” Norris sent in his song about the short lived presidency of William Henry Harrison, and made it to the semi-final rounds.
Norris finishes “America” and takes off the harmonica. He transitions with ease into his almost famous song “Old Tippecanoe.” It’s a slightly faster paced song, and lasts just over a minute.
“A governor and a warrior an all around congenial guy, Tippecanoe and John Tyler too.” Norris sings. “His renowned was surpassed by even his own secretary. Then there’s Henry Clay intent to have his way.”
Norris’s roommate, Paul O’Sullivan, Kerry, Ire. junior, said Norris’s music reflects his relaxed, happy-go-lucky attitude.
“There’s a science to the structure of his music,” O’Sullivan said. “He’s absolutely meticulous and he has the patience of a saint.”
Norris’s musical talent reaches beyond just the guitar and harmonica. He also plays piano, violin, and drums. In addition to music and academics, Norris also likes to cook. And O’Sullivan said that when his roommate isn’t studying or playing music, he can usually find him at the Rec Center playing a variety of sports.
Norris’s music training began when he was three years old. His parents put him in piano lessons. Ann Green, his first piano teacher, remembers Norris at a young age.
“He was very intelligent and highly motivated. He followed the rules and had great respect for his parents,” Green said. “He was reserved, and he was a high achiever.”
Norris remembers getting discouraged with playing piano when he was about 13 years old. He was tired of classical music and when he practiced he would purposely bang on the keys making it a horrible sound to hear. He parents gave him an ultimatum that he would have to continue his lessons until he was 14, then he could make the decision to quit. By the time his birthday came around, Norris had found a new private teacher. He said the turning point was when his new teacher taught him to play “Johnny Be Good.”
Norris is the oldest of four children, and all of his family lives in California. O’Sullivan said Norris keeps a close bond with his family, even through the distance. Norris had decided to come to the midwest for a change of scenery from West Coast life. Little did he know that his steps to stardom would begin in the tiny town of Lawrence, Kans.
Starting April 20th, Norris will start playing a regular show at Dunn Brother’s Coffee. He has a few other songs besides the presidential ones, none of which are typical.
Norris finishes up his song “Old Tippecanoe.”
“Record 68 years old 90 minutes in the cold only 30 days in office,” he sings. “I think we learned this lesson: words don’t speak as loud as actions when that action needs to go inside to beat the rain and cold.”
He goes on for a few seconds with some “dododoo’s” and more “Tippecanoe’s,” then puts down his guitar and smiles with satisfaction.