Emily Paine Carter

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The day before Christmas found friends and music fans happily stuffed into Salem's Mill Mountain Coffee Shop. Shop Manager Hunter Johnson was braced for what a Dec. 23 Roanoke Times story called "Coppermania."

But Johnson later said that the morning had gone smoothly. A standing-room-only crowd seemed to enjoy singer/songwriter Ross Copperman's show -- and the French toast.

We easily spotted Ross' mom, Leslie Korsh, practically glowing with maternal pride. Ross is the 2001 Glenvar High School graduate who is becoming a success in England: His single set an iTunes download record, and he is signed with a branch of Sony BMG.

Later I spoke with Leslie and with Ross' father, Lance Copperman, who had also been front-and-center for the show. They said that they couldn't be prouder -- not just for their son's talent, but for the "kind, good, considerate person he is" (Leslie's words).

"We're blessed to have always had a good kid, never any trouble," said Lance, 62. "Even though Leslie and I are divorced, he's added a whole new dimension and connection to our lives. And he and Chelsea [Lance's 13-year-old from another marriage] are like brother and sister, filled with mutual respect."

Leslie, also 62, said that she "could talk about my son for 25 hours." (She lives in Roanoke County, just over the Salem line; Lance lives in Roanoke.) She had planned to keep working after Ross' birth when she was 38 -- but found that she wanted to spend as much time as possible with such a delightful, temper tantrum-free child. She drove him to every piano lesson starting at age 3 -- even after he got a driver's license. (He taught himself acoustic and electric guitar, Lance said.)

Lance mentioned that Ross also played high school sports, was featured in several GHS stage productions and even came in from college to play the same role he had played as a Glenvar senior. Lance justifiably bragged that Ross graduated from James Madison University with honors after three and a half years, while simultaneously performing and interning in New York.

Unfamiliar with Ross' music? I'm reminded of John Mayer, while Ross' friend Fred Campbell suggested "a bit of a Coldplay sound. Yet his songwriting is original; he's being paired with interesting musicians, so there's a nature versus nurture thing going on. ... And Hunter Johnson played drums on one recording."

The Coppermans' Glenvar home had been the gathering place for Ross' bands and his friends, many of whom crowded into Mill Mountain that morning: "It's a reunion," Leslie said. And Ross' between-song patter clearly expressed his love for the Roanoke Valley.

He filled his time back home with visits to old friends, going to movies and exercising with the family, Leslie said. She added that the family also went to their traditional Christmas Mass at St. Andrew's, even though they're not Catholic. And Ross gave her his first oil painting -- a new hobby -- for Christmas.

Lance said he's also pleased that his "business-savvy" son is investing in Lance's new hotel property. Conversely, Leslie said that others tell her that either she or his dad would make a great manager for Ross.

Both parents have followed many of his shows, both in the U.S. and in London. Ross was to leave Jan. 7 for Los Angeles to shoot a video for his single; 10 days later he's to return to London. He hopes that some of his songs might be used in soundtracks, Lance said.

Both parents praised Ross for focusing on what he wants in life -- but even more for his lack of arrogance. "He's genuine and unassuming -- and people want to help this nice kid," Lance said. " 'Please don't change' is my only advice."

Added Leslie, "people say 'if I could have a son, I'd want him to be like Ross.' "

And I call that a life in harmony.

www.rosscopperman.com

www.myspace.com/rosscopperman