I was raised in the rural hill country of Northern Arkansas, and I began playing guitar and harmonica in my early teens. I grew up listening to and playing old-timey and traditional folk music, but like most kids in the '60s, I was also into the country and pop songs I heard on the radio.

After relocating to Central Florida in the late 1970s, I worked as a solo performer and in bands like Shades of Gray (rock, new wave, ska), and Souler Eclipse and Jah Sons (reggae). Twelve years ago I founded The Porchdogs, a group that plays Louisiana-style Cajun and zydeco music and the folk music that's my own specialty. With the 'Dogs, I perform regularly at various Walt Disney World venues, at Universal Studios City Walk, and at numerous other nightclubs, festivals, fairs and events throughout Florida. The Porchdogs have been a featured act the past 5 years at the Florida State Fair, the past 6 years at the Iron Horse Saloon (daily during Bike Week and Biketoberfest), and the past 12 years at the Ft. Lauderdale Cajun-Zydeco Festival.

In addition to the classic rock, country, folk, and reggae that make up much of my solo repertoire, I also play jazzy standards, 1920s-'30s oldies, and some Irish and Italian music. I can draw from all of these styles to play pretty much whatever you'd like to hear at a specific venue or event. I usually play with pre-recorded rhythm tracks, which helps me get a full sound that works well for dancing. But if a more acoustic sound is what's called for, I'll turn off the beat box and play it strictly solo. I can also call upon my many musical friends and put together a duo, trio or larger band playing Cajun, zydeco, bluegrass, old-timey, or pop standards.