During my early years, my awesome step-dad must have seen something musical in me. That guy could play just about anything and began showing me the first steps on his guitar. That was the beginning.
I still remember hearing John Denver’s, “Annie’s Song” on the radio when I was 16. I found an instant connection with his music as I loved what John was writing and saying. I understood every song and learned to play them all.
After high school, I packed my motorcycle and guitar in my ’76 Dodge van and headed west to Colorado. Within days I was singing at bars & nightclubs in Colorado Springs to make a few dollars. But the mountains were calling me and I settled into the Roaring Fork Valley for the next few years. I continued to write and perform in the area and worked as a coal miner near Carbondale.
At 20, I had the opportunity to meet John Denver and was hired in a security position where he lived. I continued to work on the songs I was writing and waited 2 years to bring my music to him. We had a long talk and one I will never forget. I remain humbled & honored that he took the time to listen, critique and encourage.
Because of John's advice, for the next six years I performed nearly full-time as a singer/songwriter across Colorado, Texas & Louisiana. John asked me to keep in touch, which I did until his tragic end in 1997.
It is because of my Dad (a private pilot) and John that I have pursued music and aviation, and I’ve found a way to combine the two. Over the years, I have composed, recorded and released 3 albums all about the fun, thrill and excitement of flying. These CDs have found homes by pilots all across the US, and around the world. Some of my songs have been featured on videos, played during aerobatic routines, as music beds for commercials and background music during numerous aviation events.
In 2004, I released an original country CD project, "Never Felt Better". I've always wanted to record and produce an all original CD of material ranging from Ballads to Kickin'-Country". I was joined by ex Doobie Brother's drummer, Chet McCracken and John Sommers, a long-time John Denver band member, who wrote "Thank God I'm A Country Boy", “In The Grand Way”, “River Of Love” and more.
As a professional aviator, I am typed in two Cessna Citation business jets and continue to write, record, perform and produce for other artists in my State-Of-The-Art studio, Aspen Leaf Recording. I am married to my best friend and love of over 11 years, Pattie.