It’s nearing 5:00 on a Tuesday afternoon. Sitting on a shaded park bench in Lafayette Square, Kim Polote is surrounded by memories that bubble out of her as beautifully as her voice. “My mother would wait for me after school in this square; this is where I played with my friends, grew up in Savannah, and where I waited for my own children when they attended school here,” says Polote. “It all happened right here and I will never forget those memories.

Even today, more than 20 years later, this former choir teacher still has students, now grown adults, lovingly say, “Hi, Miss Polote!” when they see her. In fact, in the midst of this conversation, a student from years past drives by and shouts that same excited hello from her car window, and Polote waves back as if seeing a long-lost friend.

“People connect through music; it makes us all the same and in that moment, we forget our differences. I love that my students still remember me. It means I made a difference and that’s what I hope my music will always do,” comments Polote.

Savannah afternoons rarely get more idyllic than this. Above, the delicate tendrils of Spanish moss soften the outstretched arms of towering oaks; a light breeze passes through Lafayette Square and perfectly complements the warmth of the sun; collected water softly laps in the pool of a nearby fountain, and if that weren’t surreal enough, the Southern songstress herself, Kim Polote, is generously sharing her life’s story, making this first-time conversation feel as though it were one shared between close friends.

Shades of bright blue in her sundress match the unique color of her nail polish, which, she confesses with a laugh, “My granddaughter picked out for me.” Her youthful appearance and exuberance make it hard to believe that she’s a mother of three and grandmother of one, but after just a few moments, it is clear that family is Polote’s true passion in life.

“I’ve always said life’s joy can be found in three things: family, music and meals,” states Polote. “There’s not a day that goes by that I’m not grateful for the family I have, the music I sing and the meals that bring us all together.”

On the surface, it would seem as though Polote leads a picture-perfect life, but that is only because she chooses, every day, to focus on the positive. Beneath the happy memories and contagious smile is the difficult reality of what she describes as an abusive marriage. Divorced now for 23 years, she had the courage to leave her marriage, which also meant being brave enough to put her dreams on hold.

“I know, without a doubt, that raising my kids on my own made me a better mother and grandmother,” says Polote. “Every day I knew my children needed me and it made me other-centered, not self-centered, so I always put them first, and it really has made me who I am today.”

It wasn’t until 1999 that Polote decided to test her solo talents and audition for the American Traditions Vocal Competition, which is hosted by the Savannah Music Festival. The first year, she made it to the semifinals. In 2000, bolstered by her previous year’s achievement, Polote auditioned again, but this time was unable to make it past the first round of the quarterfinals. Then came 2001, a year when she had decided not to try again, until a friend’s mother bought Polote a dress, just three days before the entry deadline, saying, “This is a dress for the winner.” Polote made a mad dash to the entry office, arriving with only five minutes to spare.

That year, proving her determination and unmistakable vocal prowess, Polote won the gold medal, becoming the first Savannahian ever to do so. “It was a victory beyond the stage—a victory for mothers who had abandoned their dreams,” exclaims Polote. “I got calls and letters from people saying I had inspired them, and they were now going after what they had long given up hope of ever doing.

After Polote’s victory, she mustered the courage to resign from her position as director of payroll for Savannah-Chatham County’s school bus system. Almost immediately, the doors of opportunity began to open wide. “I resigned in September and released my first CD of Johnny Mercer music in November of the same year,” Polote says proudly. “I have always believed that what’s for you, nothing can keep it from you, and I finally knew my time had come.

Polote’s musical experiences range from private performances with the PGA Tour to singing at her dear friend Paula Deen’s wedding, but one of her more unexpected breaks came when Harry Connick Jr. performed at the Johnny Mercer Theater.

“Now that’s a story,” Polote exclaims as she rolls her eyes, still in disbelief it happened.

Sitting with friends in the very back of the theater, Connick unexpectedly gave an open invitation to the audience to fill six empty seats in the front row. A firm believer in seizing every opportunity, Polote made a mad dash and nabbed one. During a pause between songs, Polote swallowed hard and handed the handsome crooner a copy of her own CD. To her shock, he invited her up on stage and asked her to sing. Polote, without hesitation, chose to perform “At Last in F,” which earned her a standing ovation—and the admiration of Connick.

Her vocal talents, however, aren’t limited to belting out Etta James classics. The latest addition to her resume is motivational speaker. “It was a natural segue, really,” she explains. “Between my songs on stage, I’m always talking about life, telling stories, sharing and interacting with the audience, so when the opportunity presented itself for me to be a motivational speaker, I jumped at the chance. I want people to believe in themselves, to decide that whatever it is they do, to do it with star quality. It makes all the difference.”

Polote beautifully embodies the characteristics of the Savannah she holds so dear: grace, hospitality, individuality and acceptance. She is the genuine article—incredibly gifted yet admirably humble. A new gospel album is on the horizon for her, with an expected midsummer release date, as well as a quest to bring two of her favorite things back together: music and food. “It’s sad to me that quality time with family and friends, the time we used to have around the dinner table or going to a live musical performance, is on the decline,” Polote says sadly. “Maybe one day, I’ll figure out how to bring that connection back.”

Until then, this Savannah lady chooses to live every day to its fullest and, whether through her songs or speeches, possesses an enduring passion to inspire others to follow their dreams—no matter what. “Did Paula Deen have to leave Savannah to achieve her dreams? Did Johnny Mercer? Did I? No! It’s not about who you are, where you live, or what your circumstances may be,” Polote says with genuine conviction. “It’s about making the decision to not let anything hold you back.” Undoubtedly, Polote is living proof of the power of positive thinking, demonstrating, as those who live in this alluring city know all too well, anything can happen in Savannah.

Listen Live
Throughout the summer, Savannah music lovers have many opportunities to hear Kim Polote’s unmistakably sweet voice.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Polote takes the floor every Friday night, starting at 7:30 p.m. 111 West Bay Street, 912.721.4800

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Stop by on Thursdays at 2 p.m. for some soulful singing. 222 East Harris Street, 912.233.4709

Savannah Swings with Mercer. Presented by the Lucas Theatre for the Arts, this Fourth of July concert will feature patriotic tunes along with favorite Johnny Mercer melodies. 32 Abercorn Street, 912.525.5040