Meet Atlanta's Alex Guthrie, street musician in that ubiquitous Jennifer Hudson ad

Posted Tuesday, November 28, 2017 by RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog

There's a reason you know that Geico gecko or Flo from Progressive. Insurance companies have a lot of money to spend on advertising.

And thanks to ubiquitous American Family Insurance ads, Marietta singer Alex Guthrie has been seen by practically every American who has a TV over the past seven months. He was the street musician at Woodruff Park who was shocked when Jennifer Hudson strolled up and began dueting with him.

For Guthrie, a 23-year-old full-time musician with a soulful feel, this was an opportunity of a lifetime. And he has been touring ever since, including a stop at Eddie's Attic December 1. (Tickets here.) And he will open for the Bleachers and another "Idol" alum Kelly Clarkson for Star 94's Christmas concert at the Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre December 12. (Tickets here.)

Guthrie said he was truly surprised when Hudson showed up. The producers kept him in the dark so his reaction is natural.

He said the impact of the ad was a lot greater than he expected. He has booked bigger gigs. And surprise! "Jennifer Hudson has stayed in some contact with me," he said. "She's kind of a mentor, offers me advice when applicable."

Folks occasionally know him in the vaguest sense possible: "People will say, 'I recognize you. You're that guy from that thing!' "

CONCERT PREVIEW

Alex Guthrie

7 p.m., Friday, December 1, 2017

$14

Eddie's Attic

515-B North McDonough St.

Decatur

***

Star 94 Christmas concert with Kelly Clarkson, the Bleachers and Alex Guthrie

7:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 12, 2017

$44-$115

Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre

800 Battery Avenue Southeast, Atlanta