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His story
 Monarch Records, Inc.
'asked' me to tell ya'll about me, so here's what's printable :
- I was born in GA,USA to loving, supportive parents (still together) & raised singing in the First Baptist choir. At 18, w/ piano scholarship, I studied Fine Arts for 1 year at Truett-McConnell Christian College. Next, won a trombone/piano scholarship to Jacksonville State Univ. for 2 yrs. After 2 years touring the mid-west, 2 more years studying Middle Tennessee State University's music industry major , I graduated in 1982 with the degree of Bachelor of Music...YEE--HII!
- June, 1986 & forward: Performed Helsinki,Finland to Stockholm,Sweden to Oslo,Norway to Copenhagen,Denmark; thereafter taking every job I could play my hands on -- Mostly good, sometimes playing for drunks who cussed me because I didn't know a song they wanted to hear in furrin' countries where they didn't understand a word I said: "You talk like Festus",
Ships
w/ waves over the 5th deck, parasailing in the Swiss Alps, Birthday ceremony for Prime Minister of Norway, partied w/ Pink Floyd road crew traveling on ship, roadied for Waylon Jennings, recorded some Blues and a Cajun tune written by
George Cummings,Jr.
(formerly w/ Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show) *, met Willie Nelson (in Norway:NICE fella), and played at Lonnie Mack's 65th birthday party (last summer).
- Jan, 1997, I auditioned and won a prestigious position as organist/pianist/music & choir director at Nenset Lutheren Church in Skien, Norway.
Working in the Church was a life saver, life changer & yes, a challenge, too; we had children, youth & adult choirs + band; played for over 400 funerals, lots of concerts, various radio & TV. It's an honor and priviledge to be a witness for GOD's love as I play HIS music!
Remember, Psalm 96 :
"Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless his name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day."
- May, 2003: After almost 6&1/2 years grounded in safety, I left my church job. I'm once more playing cruise ships, restaurants, hotels, piano bars and concerts. It's funny, but now I FEEL for others around me with a greater caring & patience than I had before...
- Aug, 2005: Moved back to USA; playing Elk's Lodge of Dalton,GA every Friday nite, piano/organ at Dug Gap Baptist Church most Sundays, and always marryin's & buryin's.
Also, started a new 'Refreshment Vending Service' called Qwik Snak.
- July, 2007: "Every day's gettin' better!" -- AJR;
New creativity, new CD project in the making;
Organic garden w/ beans,corn,'taters,tomaters,collards,yummmm;
Still healthy & playing & singing---Hallelu-yeah!
So, the adventure of this one life's journey continues............
'Lord I've seen a lot of good folk die, had a lot of bills to pay' ,
sang Johnny Paycheck ...
... but I still think the good outweighs the bad :-)
My point? To live is to know pain, disappointment & heartache, but you can CHOOSE to have a Positive Mental Attitude! Try to think of all the good things in your life...Don't give up. Pray; have faith. Love each other.
Wanna experience the JOY and warmth of a thankful life? May I recommend my CD page with LOTS of FREE Song Samples.
Even if I don't make a single penny, kroner, mark, yen, euro or pound today, PLEASE enjoy an escape from the cold cruel world for a few minutes & EXPLORE Happy Gospel Boogie dot com!
* My website includes a recipe for Seafood Gumbo
& a song called
The Gumbo Man for those of you who appreciate ALL of God's gifts to us.]
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