I was born and raised in Georgia, being the youngest in a very musically rich family. I found the guitar interesting at a young age. With the help of my brother showing me the chords, I began playing guitar around the age of 12. At this time I was influenced by the sounds of country music. I also taught myself the bass guitar and would play that at church for the next 22 years. A decade later, I discovered the traditional sounds of bluegrass music and fell in love with it. I specifically loved the sound of the mandolin! While in my mid 20's, I purchased my first mandolin and began learning it on my own. At this same time I dabbled with learning the banjo, fiddle and bass fiddle. Being not as proficient on the banjo and fiddle, I primarly stick with the mandolin, rhythm guitar and bass fiddle. While in the southeast I was filled in for many local bands and turning down several invites to join these bands. In 2005 I, along with a friend, started a bluegrass band called Mountain Rhythm. That ran for 2 years, disbanning in November of 07'. While playing at the Jerusalem Ridge Celebration in Rosine, Ky.(homeplace of Bill Monroe) I have been featured several times on the Cumberland Highlanders Show on RFD-TV. I have also been fortunate to be able to have shared the stage and played with some great bluegrass and old time musicians including Art Stamper, Mike Fagan, Leroy Troy and Barry Scott. In 2007 I was priviliged to open up for the great Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys at Rosine Ky. At 36 I found the love of my life, on the other side of the continent. In Febuary of 08', I moved to Spokane, Wa. to be with my fiance Michelle. We were married on May 2nd. I am a traditional style bluegrass picker, biggest influence being the great Bill Monroe and many others! |
