As far back as memories take me, I've always loved music. As a kid, I remember my parents listening to Elvis, Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, and Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass. I remember playing some of them on our little stereo, listening, and singing along. My dad played guitar and harmonica, and taught me a few songs. I bought my first album "Meet the Beatles" after watching their performance on the Ed Sullivan show. I remember the excited feeling I got while listening to 'I Saw Her Standing There' really loud on my friends big stereo. His mom kept telling him to turn it down, but we just couldn't do it. From that point on, I knew I wanted music to be a big part of my life. In 1965 my family moved to San Jose. I begged my parents to let me go to see the Beatles at Candlestick Park in 1966, (which turned out to be their last performance in the U.S.), but they told me I was too young. They had heard about "Beatle-mania", and were afraid I'd get trampled or killed.
In the late 60's, my best friend's older brother was in a band and taught us some chords on the guitar. I got my first cheap electric guitar when I was 13 and formed my first band at about age 14.
I listened to my records, tapes, and the radio constantly, singing along, and was influenced and inspired by the vocals and vocal harmonies of the Beatles, Beach Boys, and Crosby, Stills, & Nash. A few of my favorite lead vocalists are Paul Rogers, Delbert McClinton & Don Henley. Other influences included Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, the Doors, the Kinks, Paul Simon, Neil Young, & ZZ Top.
Early blues influences include The Animals, early Rolling Stones, early Led Zeppelin, The Allman Brothers, Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac, Freddie King, the Yardbirds, Cream, Eric Clapton, and Derek & the Dominos.
I manage Mere Mortals and Petty Jack Flash. Lead vocalist, rhythm guitar and harmonica in Mere Mortals band for over 20 years, and Petty Jack Flash for over 5 years. I've also been involved in several original and cover band projects in the Sacramento area for over 20 years, including Beatles, Who, and Kenny Wayne Sheppard tribute bands. Recently, I've decided to get more serious about working on my original songs and performing solo. |
