BIO

Music has always been a part of my life since I was a toddler growing up in a household where my Dad played the guitar; my Grandmother played the piano and there was always singing at home and at church.

My Dad started teaching me chords on the guitar and soon I was playing and singing solos in church. My interest in music began to broaden and my family realized that I was displaying a significant amount of musical ability, so my parents enrolled me in piano lessons in the 3rd grade. I wouldn’t have been able to take piano lessons if they had not been given during school hours, since we were farmers and just couldn’t afford to make any special trips. After a few months of lessons, my mom bought an upright piano for $50.00. This was such an asset when I reached middle school and started playing the trombone in the band. I continued my piano and trombone through high school where I won local and state competitions.After graduating from high school, I entered college at The University of NC at Pembroke. There I completed a double major degree in music, concentrating on the piano and trombone. I also earned a degree in music education. This degree led me into the public school system where I became a band director of a middle school and a high school.

In 1977, I had an opportunity of a lifetime when I was contacted by J.D. Sumner of the Stamps Quartet to become the quartet’s pianist. I could not turn down such an honor. So off the Nashville I went! It was such an exciting time! Not only would I be playing for the Stamps, but also for Elvis Presley during the gospel portion of his show. I had been with the Stamps only 2 months when Elvis died. It was a shocking event that left the entire world in mourning. I had the privilege of playing Elvis’ favorite hymns during his funeral at Graceland. The Stamps Quartet had to move on. Another highlight of my travels with the Stamps was getting to perform at KFC’s Colonel Sanders’ 87th Birthday at Walt Disney World on September 7, 1977.

In my travels and performances I met a variety of stars. While performing in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand, I met Tammy Wynette. She invited me to become a member of her band, The Tennessee Gentlemen. We traveled every state in the US and a majority of Europe. During this time I deeply honored to perform two times for President Ronald Reagan. Soon I began missing my gospel roots and I knew I had to go back. I later joined The Singing Americans Quartet with members, Ed Hill, Michael English, Dwayne Burke and Rick Strickland. What a great group of guys!

Eventually I came off the road and went back home to start my own business producing and recording groups in the studio. I also became full time keyboard musician for The Fayetteville Community Church, where Ken Pritchard, a wonderful and dear friend was and still is the pastor. Wesley Pritchard is also the Minister of Music at FCC. I took a short break from the studio and the Church job to play piano for “The Bill Gaither Trio” and “The Vocal Band.”(Larnelle Harris, Gary McSpadden, and Michael English) But once again I left to road life and returned to the recording studio.

At this time I began producing and creating sound tracks for the Miss America Organization pageants including numerous state pageants. In the last 10 years, a gentleman by the name of Bill Wolfe www.Wolfetalent.com and myself have produced the tracks for 6 of the winners, including the current Miss America, Lauren Nelson. I also worked with and produced some tracks for Actress and Singer, Carol Lawrence. During the 80’s and early 90’s I also worked as musical director for the local theater for such shows as, Grease, The Sound of Music, Side By Side by Stephen Sondheim, Little Shop of Horrors, 1940’s Radio Hour, Shenandoah (starring Aileen Quinn, Little Orphan Annie 1982 movie), and Ain’t Misbehavin’ and many more.

Gospel Projects that I have produced:

Dixie Melody Boys: No Compromise
Masterpiece
Tis’ The Season
100% Pure
Heading Home
Dove Brothers: Flying High
Poet Voices: Turn To The One
Co-produced with Wesley Pritchard: Aaron Wilburn: Four Days Late
Co-produced with Mark Trammell: Gold City: Home For The Holidays
Co-produced with Jeff Collins: Kirk Talley: Talley Ho Ho Ho
Kirk Talley: Field of Grace

Artists that I have orchestrated for:

Cheryl Pruitt Salem
Richard Roberts
Gold City Quartet
The Kingsmen
The Kingdom Heirs
The Talley Trio
Lauren Talley
Kirk Talley
Boots Randolph
Billy Walker
Vern Jackson
LaVerne Tripp
Lynda Randall
Jessie Dixon
Mark Bishop
The Whisnants
The Nelons
Sue Dodge
Anthony Burger
Mark Trammel Trio
Geron Davis
Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet
Ivan Parker
The Booth Brothers
Karen Peck and New River
The Lesters

I have orchestrated most of the Gaither Homecoming Videos over the past 10 years. I have just recently recorded and produced the tracks for Dottie Rambo’s duet project with Porter Wagner, Mel Tillis, Lulu Roman and The Whites.

I’m currently working on orchestrating unreleased tracks of the late country singer, Jim Reeves, who was killed in a tragic plane crash in 1966. These cds are being released through a company called Voice Masters.

Most recently this past summer 2007, I filled in as Pianist for Ernie Haase and Signature Sound.