Long before he became a finalist on American Idol, John Foster had his first public performance at a small, homegrown spot known as Morley Marina, nestled in the heart of what locals call Back Brusly.
Not from around there? In Brusly, Louisiana, everything west of Highway 1 is lovingly referred to as “Back Brusly.” Cross the highway, and you’re officially in Front Brusly—a local distinction that residents wear like a badge of honor.
Jeremy Prejean, manager of Morley Marina and a longtime family friend, remembers that first performance like it was yesterday. He’s watched John grow up, right next door. And if you ask Jeremy, the real MVP behind John’s musical spark was his uncle, Gaylen Martin.
He’s not the only one who thinks so. Rick Bourgoyne and Blake Sarradet, both longtime workers at John’s family business—Benoit’s Country Meat Block in Addis—say Martin played a huge role in helping John find his footing as a performer. Even John’s grandmother, Verbie Benoit, agrees.
Though Martin doesn’t seek the spotlight or the credit, he admits he saw something special in John early on.
“I’d show him a few chords on the guitar, give him something to practice, and the next day, he had it down,” Martin said. “He just picked it up so fast.”
Martin didn’t hesitate to take time off work to travel with John to his American Idol audition in Nashville—and then again to Hawaii. Now, he’s headed to Hollywood for a second time, supporting his nephew every step of the way.
Despite not being related by blood—Martin married John’s aunt—there’s no doubt about the deep bond they share. And when John returned home to perform in his Idol hometown concert, Martin stood proudly by his side on stage, guitar in hand, playing for the biggest crowd of his life.
“That was the largest audience I’ve ever played for,” Martin said with a smile.
Seeing him up there struck a chord with many in the tight-knit West Bank community. People like Aimee Rabalais, secretary at Brusly High School, felt proud just watching him.
“I was so happy Gaylen got to be up there with John,” she said. “I just know his heart was overflowing.”
That shared moment almost didn’t happen. Martin had taken a break from music after the sudden loss of his brother and longtime bandmate. It was John who helped bring music back into his life.
“John Foster brought me back,” Martin said. “I’ll always be grateful.”
Gratitude is something the Addis and Brusly communities know a lot about—especially after the heartbreak they’ve endured. From the tragic 2011 loss of beloved Brusly High teacher Sylviane Lozada, to the deaths of three high school students in under a year, including Maggie Dunn, who was one of John’s close friends.
@qtmandyyy This is the best Valedictorian speech I have ever heard. Yes, it is my son, but this just shows you just what kind of old soul and great person he actually is. His music isnt his only gift from God but his intelligence is as well! I cant wait to see exactly where God leads you. I know you are going to do great things! #johnfostermusic #Classof2024 #valedictorianspeech #godsgift #maggiewashere #ourangelmaggiewillalwaysbewithus #BHS #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #fypage #fypシ゚viral
John even wrote a song for Maggie, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” which he performed on American Idol earlier this season. The two went to homecoming together. He honored her in his valedictorian speech, a moment that went viral on social media—well before anyone knew his name across the country.
Brusly High principal Walt Lemoine remembers that speech vividly.
“Reading it on paper, it seemed like any other valedictorian speech,” he said. “But the way he delivered it—man, that kid just has it. He’s always had it.”
This past week in Brusly has felt like a whirlwind of pride and emotion. The school’s track team won state. The softball team made it to the finals. The community packed into downtown for John’s pep rally and concert. And by Saturday, they were in Sulphur, cheering on the high school baseball team in the state championship.
Even though the baseball team fell short in the end, losing 7-3 to North DeSoto, the spirit of the town hasn’t dimmed. They’ve weathered harder storms—and they always lift each other up.
John Foster isn’t just singing for a title. He’s singing for his people—for every loss, every celebration, every hug on a front porch, every small-town cheer from both sides of the Mississippi River.
And if you listen closely on Sunday night, you just might hear all of Back Brusly and Front Brusly singing right along with him.
