Country singer/songwriter James Dupré has been a hit at local bars like The Tap Room, but he got off to a much more modest start. Equip with a webcam and a guitar, he first sang to "crowds" on Youtube. Now three years later, his channel has been viewed more than 400-thousand times.

"If you'd have told me three years ago what's happening right now I would have laughed at you, it's been a roller coaster ride," Dupré said.

That ride reached new heights this year. His debut album, "It's All Happening," was released back in Februrary, then just last week he received a phone call from the Ellen DeGeneres Show.

"Ellen came across some of my videos and said she'd like to get me on her show, they basically flew me and my wife out there and we had a great time, we did the show and it's all like a blur or a dream, a dream come true, actually," said Dupré.

The Bayou Chicot-native is a husband and father of three (soon to be four). He works as a paramedic by day, but is hoping to make singing a full-time career.

"I think this is what I was meant to do and it's happening, that's the name of my album, 'It's All Happening,'" said Dupré

His appearance on Ellen will air on KATC Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m.

Jim Hummel

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