Most teenagers usually only get their name and photo published in one book ? their high school yearbook.
But for Leonard teenager Josh Smith, he’s got one up on the rest.
Smith, 18, is featured in this year’s ‘One Hundred Young Americans? book, released this past October.
The book is a sociological study that captures photographer Michael Franzini’s journey through the United States celebrating America’s youth through photography and narratives.
It shows readers there is no singular description that can capture the individualism of today’s youth.
From self-proclaimed racists, cheerleaders, drug addicts and female race car drivers, the book covers a multitude of characters from different socioeconomic and racial backgrounds.
So, what does the ?07 Oxford High School grad add to the book? His love and loyalty for the 70s-era rock band KISS.
‘Besides wearing the makeup and the high-heels, I’m kind of the only normal person in the book,? Smith said.
The teen’s love for the band began when he was a sophomore, after a friend let him listen to the song ‘Love Gun? on his I-Pod.
‘I was like, ‘this is amazing,?? he remembers.
It also probably helped that his parents, Carl and Patricia, are both fans of the band. The family even took a road trip last summer up to Sault St. Marie for a KISS concert, then drove to a town in Wisconsin for another show.
Soon after hearing his ‘favorite song,? Smith and three other friends hit the high school’s stage for the annual talent show in 2006.
Decked out in the band’s signature makeup and flashy costumes, courtesy of Smith’s mom, the band performed ‘Rock and Roll All Nite? and wowed the crowd. Their second talent show performance last March won them first place in the band category.
His former teacher, Josh Budden, even asked to borrow his costume at one point.
The KISS cover band also performed for the public at places like the former Birdcage and Big Red Barn in Leonard.
As far as how Smith got into the book, his mom heard through a friend that Franzini was looking for teens to be featured in the book, so she signed her son up.
Lo and behold, he was chosen.
Smith, and two other Michigan teens who were chosen to be in the book, took part in a professional photo shoot in Warren with Franzini in November 2006.
Although he said the photo shoot ‘was a lot of fun? and that meeting Franzini was ‘cool,? Smith wasn’t too happy with the narrative placed next to his photos.
He said they exaggerated some of the stories he told them. ‘They made me look like the biggest loser ever!? he yelled.
Now that his brush with fame has ended for now, Smith is hoping to either attend a trade school in California to learn how to make guitars or go to Specs Howard School of Broadcasting Arts to become a radio disc jockey.
But, he said if anyone’s interested in starting another KISS cover band, he’d be all for it.
‘One Hundred Young Americans? can be found at any Border’s Book Store.