Local country music singer Emma Forgette has her sights set on Nashville.
Written By Cynthia McFarland
Music has always been the central theme of Emma Forgette’s life. With the release of her first three singles this spring, the independent country artist is well on her way.
Born in New Jersey, Emma moved to Ocala in grade school and is a 2023 graduate of Trinity Catholic High School.
She played first chair flute in high school and, in her junior year, began to focus on singing.
Having been trained in classic opera, Emma auditioned for college in opera but found her heart lies elsewhere.
“I love traditional older country,” says Emma, who counts among her influences Tammy Wynette, LeAnn Rimes, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson and Toby Keith. “I really like the way country tells a story; there’s always going to be a song you connect with.”
Emma credits well-known local artist Conrad Marcum with her first live performance at Eaton’s Beach in 2022.
“He pulled me up on stage and asked me to sing because he’d heard a song my mom posted online,” recalls Emma.
Jim O’Baid serves as Emma’s artist development consultant.
“Jim worked for Music Row magazine for decades in Nashville,” says Emma’s mom, Tara. “He’s helping source songs for Emma and making great connections.”
“Counting to 3,” Emma’s first single, was released on February 16, 2024. That was quickly followed by “Here to Get My Stuff” on March 15, and “Somebody’s Somebody” on May 17. Her latest single, “It’s A Good Day,” which she wrote herself, was released in late June.
Emma co-wrote “Counting to 3” with her producer, Alex Houton.
“Here to Get My Stuff” was written by Bobby Randall, former member of Sawyer Brown and Confederate Railroad.
“Somebody’s Somebody” was written by Jan Buckingham, Kelly and Troy Walls. Emma says this song really hits her heart and that, “It’s a message people need to hear now.”
Emma performs live at various venues in Central Florida. She already has the songs for her debut album, which she plans to release later this year.
When she’s not singing and playing guitar, she’s often hanging out with family—parents, Don and Tara, brother and sister twins Logan and Karlee, and grandmother Ann McHenry. She and her mom are Hallmark movie buffs, and Emma also loves spending time with her dogs and horse.
Emma has her sights set on Nashville.
“Even if I’m not living in Nashville, I want to play at the Grand Ole Opry and share my music with people,” she says.
Catch Emma live: Follow Emma’s social media and website to see where she’s performing in Central Florida.