While growing up, I was surrounded by music. My Grandfather was a trumpet player in the Big Band Era and my Grandmother was a Singer. My Mother had a piano and always made sure I had some kind music in my life. I believe I was singing before I could even talk. I started with the Stage...many small parts in a number of different Community, University, and School Musicals and Plays. At one time, I even took some acting lessons. I know I loved the business but was not sure where I fit in. Then, one day, I heard Ms. Patsy Cline. Her voice was like nothing I ever experienced. I knew then what I wanted to do...

I spent my adolescent years singing in Opry Houses and Honkie Tonks all the while taking classical voice lessons. The mixture was interesting to say the least. In High School I was in everything I had time for Choir, Drama, Marching Band, and all the State Competitions. I traveled to Branson, Nashville, and New York to perform, including an appearance at Carnegie Hall.

As an adult, I realized I loved the Band Experience. It was as much work as doing a play but I felt like I was taking an active role instead of a regurgitation of someone else's thought. I bounced around from garage band to garage band until I happened upon a group from Sedalia called "Fast Eddie".

I wasn't the featured vocalist, but the guys had a lot of experience and taught me about the business. It was during that time, I came to realize my love for the Blues. Unfortunately, these fine musicians were at the end of their performing careers and I was at the beginning of mine. So, it was back to the drawing board....

I did a few more Community Plays just to be out doing something. When the performance itch got to the point where I HAD to scratch, I hit the pavement and was determined to find another band. Jeff Bush, who happened to hear me during my garage band days, ran a music store here in town. I asked him to keep me in mind if he heard of anyone searching for a Vocalist. Sure enough, I received a call from Michael Mazza. I auditioned with him and Chuck Van Cleave.

The rest (and best) is yet to come!