Cathy Gorman, Sussex County's Sweetheart of Song

Cathy Gorman was born and bred in Georgetown. She’s spent many hours at Grace United Methodist Church on Market Street, where she first sang before an audience as a 10-year-old.

“I was too nervous; I backed out! But I got up and sang the next week,” she said.

She hasn’t sat down since.

She grew up in the '60s and '70s, but she has always had a penchant for the music of the 1950s. She specializes in songs of Patsy Cline, Doris Day, Rosemary Clooney, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. Her parents, Claude and Marion, had dozens of records from that era, and Gorman enjoyed singing impromptu duets with her father as a child.

“When I was 7, my dad caught me singing ‘Call Me Irresponsible,’” Gorman remembered.

Growing up, Gorman sang for Sussex Central High School choir as well as both the county and state choruses. In her teens, she took voice lessons for six years during the same time she was named Miss Georgetown ’71 and Junior Miss ’72, garnering a reputation as a talented singer and a sweetheart with a 1,000-watt smile.

After graduating from high school, Gorman attended James Madison University, where she sang in the women’s choir.

Shortly after college, Gorman started singing at patriotic events throughout Sussex County, later adding weddings and other special events. Before having her two daughters, Megan and Keely, Gorman also taught elementary and middle school in Lewes.

To date, Gorman has had the pleasure of singing at more than 300 weddings.

“I’ve sung at the weddings of three generations of some families!” she said proudly.

One of her favorite events is the Cape May Ferry's annual Wine Lover’s Cruise.

“The same people come back to see me each year, and it always sells out. It’s a fun thing for me!” Gorman said.

It’s quite likely you’ve seen Gorman sing while out for dinner or drinks at the beach. Her husband, Bud, accompanies her, and most summer nights you’ll find him watching her sing.

Gorman has performed at many area restaurants, including Touch of Italy, Big Sissies, Aqua, Mixx and Hooked. However, her most rewarding venues, according to Gorman, are assisted living facilities and veterans’ homes.

“I love connecting with the patients when I sing. The music brings back happy memories,” said Gorman.

That’s exactly why Gorman is so partial to the oldies, as well.

“It’s music of a happier time. We didn’t have the financial and global worries that we have now,” she explained.

“When I was younger, everyone had a transistor radio. I remember being on the beach – oh, The Temptations – the beach was musical then!”

The first year of the new millennium was a big one for Gorman. In 2000, she won a local talent competition at The Grange, and followed that by winning the state competition. She went to Maine, where she won The National Grange Talent Competition. That same year, the Delaware state legislature officially awarded her the title “Sussex County Sweetheart of Song.”

Close to her church and God all her life, Gorman gives cred it God for her talent.

“He gives me the strength to do my best, and he puts me in front of people who need music in their lives.”

To find out about Gorman’s upcoming performances or to book her, go to hfacebook.com/fashiongur06?fref=ts.