Home Town: West Frankfort Il
Music Genres: Bluegrass, Bluegrass Gospel, Country
Describe yourself as an artist: I am a self-taught artist who started at age 15, and learned by listening and picking songs apart in my head
What makes you unique as an artist: probably the most unique thing is that I stand alone. I mean I wasn’t raised in a musical family, but the music came from my mother’s side of the family but I wasn’t raised around them
What instruments do you play? Guitar, Mandolin, some Bass
Tell us about yourself (Personality, Principles): I am a slightly introverted person who loves hanging out with extroverted musicians. My Principles (values) are a strong Christian faith, I believe biblical truth is the foundation we all need to abide by. I believe my songs reflect these values
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music? I like to fish, but I listen to music in the boat, in the truck, in the car you name it lol. I really can’t think of a thing I do where music is not involved. Even my morning devotionals have music lol.
What inspired you to start playing and performing music? Well when I was around 3 to 6 years old my folks would take us back home (West Frankfort Il) for vacation and my uncle Kenny Lemmon would always have his Bluegrass band come over and play for us. I thought I was the most amazing thing ever. As I got older going to festivals and concerts I felt like these are my people lol
In your opinion, what makes a song great? Man that’s a tough question, for me originally it was always the music, then when my then wife was about to give birth to my first born I had an overwhelming desire to write about it, that changed everything for me and I realized songs where so much more than just the music. I remember playing a song for someone and seeing them cry and knew i that songs need to touch people. So yea a great song is any song that evokes emotion in people.
Do you write Music: Yes I love to write Music !
If so describe your creative process in your songwriting when did you first perform and what was it like: well i guess like most people i write from my own experiences in life, i always thought my inspiration was from God and not my own doing. I still believe that, but I learned that we can take hold of what God gave us and hone in on it. That’s where Curt Ryles’s songwriter workshop comes in. I’ve learned to combine skill with talent, lol. My first performance I was scared to death, I thought I was terrible but the crowd cheered for more, so it felt wonderful.

Who are your influences? My uncle Kenny Lemmon was my very influence I thought he was the best mandolin player ever, later i was floored by Neil Young, Eagles, Byrds and so on and then came the country I always say Johnny Cash made country cool, and of course Merle Haggard and so on Paul Williams and the Victory trio is probably my favorite bluegrass Gospel Group.
What awards have you won for your music? I haven’t won any awards as of yet but I was nominated for best song, best male singer, for “Pickin’ on Jesus” but did not win, this was holland red carpet awards
What advice would you give someone that is trying to break into music? In the music business there are a lot of ups and downs. Don’t let the downs, and there will be downs, don’t let the downs overwhelm you. Always remember the good stuff you’ve done and that will carry you. remain true to yourself
If you could meet anyone, living or otherwise, who would it be? Johnny Cash