Similar Artists

Neil Young, Tom Petty

Influences

Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Rolling Stones, Beatles, Tom Petty, Jackson Browne. Micky and the Motormen, the Bottle Rockets, Dwight Yoakum, Steve Earle.

Bio

1963 Dad gives me and my two brothers one guitar. Older brothers make it clear I am never to touch the guitar. 1968 Older brothers go to college. I 'borrow' the Fender Mustang left behind by my oldest brother and convince neighbor/classmate to teach me guitar. I learn Jumpin' Jack Flash. 1969 Oldest brother threatens to kill me if I ever touch his guitar again but lends me $50 for my own guitar. 1969 First paid gig in basement of a church. I have to play bass, though I had never seen a bass until the night of the job. 1971 First band as the lead guitar player. Lots of Neil Young, Led Zeppelin, Joe Cocker and Beatles. Very poorly played. Not much has changed. 1972 High point of high school career - play in band in front of entire assembly. 1973 Asked to play in a country/rock band and actually make money at a bar (17 years old). Other musician friends hate me for going to the darkside ($). Fired from bar job because I attend senior prom instead of playing. 1973 Country/rock bar band continues. Several members perform off and on with me for next 33 years. High School sweetheart dumps me because I buy a new Gibson Les Paul rather than an engagement ring. She probably had more than 1 reason. 1974 I quit college. Band goes full-time. Records 3 singles. Plays at Holiday Inns, Ramada Inn's, etc. Travels to east coast for extended gigs, including Guantanamo Bay Naval Base to entertain the troops. For extra money, we sometimes backup an Elvis impersonator. 1975 All members get married and abandon dreams of stardom. 1976 - 1980 Join U.S. Air Force, play in a country band, hard rock band and finally a country swing band. Only guitar player in San Antonio to have a Les Paul instead of a telecaster. 1980 - 1981 Full time student and part-time musician in a country/rock band. Thank You GI Bill. 1982 Divorced with custody of 2 children and no money, I drop out of college again and get a real job. Play every weekend to make money and meet women. 1983 Band changes music to a 60's oldies band. Very successful in Dayton area. Includes several members from the 1973 band. 1985 A bad year. Band breaks up. I graduate from college. Girlfriend dumps me. I meet future ex-wife. I start playing as a duo because I can't find a band. Goodbye to Gibson Les Paul and hello to Stratocaster. 1986 - duo becomes a trio 1987 - trio becomes duo 1988 - duo becomes a trio 1989 - trio becomes a duo (4 years of drummer problems) 1990 - 1995 Duo flourishes but I decide to kill it off. Too much work. 1996 - First solo CD, 'Driving Till Morning' is released. 1996 - 1997 Join blues band. Play a lot but unfortunately lead singer becomes too unreliable (passing out on a stage). 1998 - 2007 the band from 1973 reforms. After several name changes, we decide upon the Vista Cruisers. 2005 - After 3 years of recording, Vista Cruisers CD, Driving Around is released. 2006 - Second solo CD, 'There But For Fortune'. About 2 years and 6 months faster than Vista Cruisers CD. 2007 - Drummer departs Vista Cruisers (you guessed it - see 1986 through 1989) and eventually disbands. 2007 - start new duo because band isn't playing enough. 2007 join classic rock band, The Essentials. Wonder if spending $30 on a week on gas to practice is worth it. Ponder quitting and playing in an Elvis tribute band. Okay that last sentence isn't true.. 2008- One year in the Essentials equals lifetime. In November of 2008, I exit the stage (actually the Essentials only played on a stage once). Wish all the members the best of luck. I start recording new CD. 2009 - Failed attempt at starting new band. Vista Cruisers reunite for one free show for bass player's daughter. 2009 - 'Play The Hero' is part of Democracy Now video about Pat Tillman. 2010 - Vista Cruisers make a comeback with yet another new drummer 2011 - New CD, Our Nation of Two is released. 'The One' is on Acoustic Rainbow, Volume 39.