Joey Glenn, originally from Jarbalo, recently had her single “Bless Her Heart” released nationally to radio stations.

The 19-year-old, who is a 2006 Tonganoxie High School graduate, launched her career in country music with the single, part of a 10-song album called “Driven By Emotion,” which will be released to stores this month.

Glenn’s producer is Graham Bland, who has spent the past year with Glenn selecting and recording songs for her album.

Glenn first was introduced to Bland by managers Rick Brady and Judy Glenn, who is Joey’s mother.

“Joey’s sweet and fiery with unbelievable talent,” Bland said. “She has her influences but sounds and performs like herself, which is refreshing.

“It’s been an honor working with her. I see her as a definite rising star in the country music industry.”

Bland is with independent recording label Revved Records.

Glenn said she considers Patty Loveless, Martina McBride, John Fogerty, Linda Ronstadt, Mahalia Jackson, Janis Joplin and Elvis Presley as some of her biggest influences.

Glenn also is a spokeswoman for D.A.R.E., the youth drug prevention organization, and Students Against Destructive Decisions. She performs annually for a local D.A.R.E. celebration and performed in November for a Veterans Day concert for SADD in Beloit.

Band members with Glenn are Bill Welch, Rick Brady, Chris Fikes and Bud Rawls.

Welch provides backup vocals as well as rhythm, bass, lead guitar and keyboard. Brady is the band leader and is the drummer. He previously was a drummer for the Statler Brothers.

Fikes is lead guitarist and plays the fiddle. And Rawls, who has played with Johnny Cash, Roy Drusky and Neal McCoy, is the band’s keyboardist.

They will perform with Glenn on Friday at the First City Festival, formerly Riverfest, in Leavenworth.

Glenn will take the stage at 4 p.m. at the event, which will be near the Missouri River on Esplanade Street in downtown Leavenworth.