There is hardly a person in Hillsboro who hasn’t enjoyed hearing local singer Bob Kouba belt out a familiar tune at a local event or a beautiful hymn in church.

It appears. however, that we can no longer keep his vocal talents contained to our community. Several years ago, he branched out and took his abilities to the next level, recording several albums under the name R.C. Kouba.

Now, he has been informed that his recording of “Be Like You” was chosen by the Akademia Music Awards as the best Contemporary Christian Gospel song for November, 2013.

The Akademia Music Awards are based in Los Angeles, supporting musicians interested in receiving a higher degree of market exposure and professional recognition for their work.

The panel of judges consists of six senior record executives and music industry veterans. An average of 10,000 entrees are reviewed and ranked based upon artistry. Five nominees are selected for individual categories with one winner chosen monthly for each category.

All winners and nominees are then actively promoted in a year-long marketing campaign that reaches millions of listeners and industry executives.

It took a lot of hard work and practicing by Bob under the tutelage of singer-songwriter Christian St. James, who has quite a successful background in composing and recording music, including the current Number 15 song on the world-wide Cashbox Magazine charts.

Bob, who is a security officer at Ho Chunk Casino, met St. James there and in the course of discussion, mentioned that he had always harbored an ambition to record songs. St. James asked why he wasn’t doing it, and six months later, with his help, Bob had recorded his first CD.

That CD, along with a second one, can be purchased at Peterson Pharmacy in Hillsboro.

Incidentally, there are also plans for Bob’s own website.

Congratulations, Bob, and best wishes for your recording career from all your friends and neighbors in Hillsboro.