When you get older you wonder more about roots, heritage, ancestors, you want to know from whence you came. If only you could go back to when you were young, then you could ask questions of those who were still on this side. Perhaps you may have gotten a better picture of those of whose blood you share. I have learned a great deal, but I am still learning just who I am. I was born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1957 on the world famous Peachtree Street. I grew up in the Church tradition of acapella congregational singing. I did not grow up in a musical family, but music has always had a great impact on me, when I hear music I naturally want to follow along, but I would always try to add something. I have always harmonized with any sound, no matter how obscure. The air conditioner fan, the lawnmower, anything. The sound maybe the root, third, fifth, or seventh; I would just bounce note possibilities, or use it as the key to sing along. This led me at a very early age to want to create music.
When I was in high school, I taught my self to play the Clarinet my brother had abandoned and joined the band. It was around this time that I began to explore music more, I found classical music. I fell in love with the strings and all of the other sounds. I also found my mother's collection of 78rpm records she had as a teenager; I fell in love with Big Band Music. Through friends I fell in love with the haunting sounds of mountain music, and Bluegrass. I bought myself a Mandolin, and a different guitar. I have taught myself to play everything I can play.
While in college, I really began to develop myself as a performing songwriter. I played on campus and off campus, I even did the music for two readers theater productions. I was the music composer, editor and performer.
It has been said that God works in mysterious ways, and that He works all things together for your good. Music was always the most important thing to me, and I truly believe that God worked things so that I had people around me to help me find my dreams. The only music in our house growing up was on radio, records, or on television. In all of this I still felt inferior to others, something I have lived with for most of my life. Being a perfectionist led me to believe that others heard all the mistakes I had made. That feeling of inferiority caused me to attach myself to people who caused me to once again hide my dreams. Out of deep responsibility I took jobs, that took me very far away from my dreams. I was faithful to my commitments, but not to what God had put on my heart. When I could finally retire, I wanted to go back to my dreams. It wasn't until just a few years ago that I really understood my real dreams, and what I really wanted.
Returning to my musical dreams cost me a great deal. I had not realized before, just how toxic my relationships had been. To follow my heart I had to walk away from many things, and many people. I had to jump. I am still waiting to fly, but I have seen so much magic, and I have met so many amazing people. I have shared my songs in some great places. I have been blessed to write songs with Wil Nance, Steve Dean, Bill Whyte, Jerry Salley, Danny Wells, and Brady Seals. I consider these guys, and many others to be my dear friends.
I love writing music, it is what I was created to do. Music has always been what, and who I am. I have no idea where this journey will take me, I am just along for the ride. If my friends are any indication of where I am going, then this is going to be an amazing ride.
Thank you for listening to me, and my music.