Home Town:London Ontario
Music Genres: Traditional Country
Describe yourself as an artist: I have been a Road Musician since early 80”s, touring Canada and USA. I love the stage and people. I performed at many Casinos in the mid west and a couple in Canada.
What makes you unique as an artist: Being Native, this gives me run of the Border without the need for work visas.
What instruments do you play? Bass and Rhythm are my 2 strong instruments, I can make noise on others.
Tell us about yourself (Personality, Principles) I feel very comfortable on stage. I come from a musical family and won my 1st talent singing contest at 5 years old, singing Please Release Me. I started playing bars in 1975 and never looked back. In 1981 I went on the road, traveling from town to town till 2005, when I moved back to Canada full time and thought I was through performing. I tried a few things and 12 yrs ago started an FM radio station on The Mohawk Territory in Quebec. CKKI KIC Counrty 89.9 was born and continues to grow today.
Radio made me realize the Music IS the strongest drug in THE WORLD and I have been back performing Festivals and Shows for the last 12 years.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music? Love the outdoors. I like riding the trails on my Side by Side and when weather is warm enough, hitting the water on my Seadoo.
What inspired you to start playing and performing music? As I said above, I come from a Musical family, and it was always part of my life.
In your opinion, what makes a song great? Interpretation from the artist, able to make it their own. Of course, the hook and story line and the melody.
Do you write Music: I have written a couple of songs. I had the pleasure of having access to great writers who wrote for me and I recorded their songs. I would like to try a group writing session.
If so describe your creative process in your songwriting: See above
When did you first perform and what was it like? In public, I was 5 years old in a singing contest, where I took 1st place
Who are your influences? Merle Haggard, George Jones, Buck Owens and Ray Price
What awards have you won for your music?
- I won Battle of the Bands in London Ontario, hosted by BX93 radio
- I won 2nd place in Detroit Michigan, hosted by Marlboro
- Received an award from NACMAI
What advice would you give someone that is trying to break into music? Make sure it’s what you want to do. You are giving yourself to your Public.
If asked would I do it again? My response is Hell Ya!!
If you could Meet anyone, living or otherwise, who would it be? I have met so many people I respect in the business. When I was under the management of Skeeter Dodd, I had access to the Green Room at the Opry and spent many hours talking and listening to stories. The best times were in Mr. Acuff’s dressing room. He always had musicians performing great jam sessions. I had the pleasure of performing on The Midnight Jamboree, hosted by Justin Tubb.
