Photo by Skip Lawrence Roy Wilson Craddock sings his way to becoming first local senior idol.

Craddock was selected from four finalists of the Frederick County senior idol contest to represent Frederick County at the state competition, scheduled for Jan. 25 at the Howard County Community College.

The county's first idol was held recently at the Lynfield Event Complex. Contestants had to be 60 or older and perform individually.

Craddock, of Middletown , took the top spot playing his guitar and singing Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues."

"The experience was a joy," Craddock said. "I went out there just expecting to play like I usually do and let the chips fall where they may, but the response was very good. There was a lot of clapping and singing along."

Craddock, 69, a retired government engineer, has been singing and playing for 40 years, mostly as a hobby, he said. He has produced a sample CD and is working on another one.

Craddock plays periodically at the Frederick County senior center on Taney Avenue in Frederick , at Sunrise Retirement Home and at weddings, picnics and for the Solomon Island Museum and yacht clubs.

"Whatever happens at the state competition, I intend to have fun," he said. "What's happening to me right now is what I want."

He could use some publicity to make some money from his music, Craddock said. "I may even put together a band," he said.

The other contestants boast winning records as well.

Second place idol contest winner Harold Staley of Frederick is a member of the National Songwriters Association. He's been singing since he was a teenager. Staley has worked to promote country shows, with such names as Hank Williams Jr. and Dolly Parton, Staley said.

Staley, 71, who plays the guitar and writes songs, said he'd like to see more people participate in the idol contest.

An ordained minister, contestant Arthur C. Baugher, 77, ministers to people in song. He performs karaoke at local nursing homes.

"The contest was great. I was ready for it," he said.

Much of the audience was familiar with him and was cheering him on, Baugher said.

Jeanette McMahon, 60, is a member of the Golden Tones of Frederick County.

"I saw a flyer for the audition and I said, great," she said. "I love the exposure. It builds confidence, poise, tone. I did a cappella. It was a big stage, big auditorium and it was packed, just packed. I loved it tremendously."

This year marked Frederick County's first participation in the three-year-old Maryland Senior Idol contest. Ten counties and Baltimore City will send their top contestants to the competition in January.