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They said "Why don't you just quit chasin' this dream?" "Why don't you just work your job, provide for your family, and live your life?"
Fact is, in my opinion, if you are not striving to chase down your dreams and visions your not really livin'. There were occasions that I tried to lay down the dream of makin' it. I almost listened to those poor souls that never accomplished their dreams, so I figured if they cain't do it, why should I? What makes me so special?
What makes me special is the voice of God spoke my destiny into my existence. I accepted that destiny. But, there are many failures and try agains between knowing and accepting your destiny, and actually accomplishing it. Being let down, taken advantage of, and disappointment are all part of the ride. Every time I tried to give up, the living hope inside of me would cause me to pick up the pen and write another song. What seemed to be my defeat would often become my inspiration for a new song.
My roots for the versatility of the music I write and perform are many. As a child my heroes were Elvis Presley and Kenny Hinson. I was raised on country and gospel. Artist influences include Hank Jr., Ronny Milsap, Charlie Pride, Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Randy Travis, Brooks & Dunn, and of coarse, Elvis Presley and Kenny Hinson.
A native of Charleston, WV, the heritage of my home state provides a wealth of song writing material. I am a proud father of 12 years to two beautiful girls, Brittany 12, and Shawna 11. I have been married for 14 years. This is my main support group. They are the only ones that never gave up on me.
Being raised in church, I have many spiritual influences, though I did not always follow those examples. My first performance was a speaking part in a play in kindergarten. I got on stage and forgot my lines. They began to laugh---I began to cry. I never wanted to feel that way again. I used to sing along with the Hinsons 8 track in the car with Dad. He talked me into learning a song to sing with his gospel group. I sang the song one time before a crowd of about 300 at the CinSan Theater. They jumped up and screamed and clapped and whistled. I got so scared I hid myself in dads coat tails and made him take me home. As a 7 year old, I didn't understand a standing ovation. I vowed to never sing again. However, a girl can change your mind. I joined the show choir my senior year (88-89) at the prodding of my girlfriend. Sang a lot in local bars 89-96. Reunited myself with Jesus in 97 and have been singing and writing songs ever since.
In 2004, Don Frost and The Music City Gospel Showcase came to town with a talent search. I performed, but didn't win. However, Don called me several weeks later and offered me an opportunity to record three of my original songs and three videos for his show on the GMT Network. I borrowed the money and headed to Nashville.
In 2005 at The Music City Gospel Showcase Convention in Pigeon Forge, TN, I was awarded Soloist of the Year. The event was nationally televised. The winners are chosen by people that see your videos on TV and vote for you via internet. I was shocked and surprised. Don offered me a record deal with his new label but I declined. I liked what I was doing at the time.
In 2006, I finished my first album. Don Frost produced it at SMS Studios in Hendersonville, TN., with Mike Schrimpf as the engineer. The great licks were played by some of the greatest musicians in Nashville. Bird Burton,
Mark Beckett, David Russell, and John Heindrick to name a few. I am the writer, publisher, and performer on nine of the ten songs, and Grace and Mercy(song # 10) is an unrehearsed live recording at my home church, Maranatha Fellowship, St. Albans,WV with the choir. They are coming with me to the 2006 convention at The Factory in Franklin, TN.
Goin' Underground came to me shortly after the Sago, WV and Kentucky coal mine tragedies. I released it locally as single and folks loved it. WKWX 96.1 WOLF Country decided to give it a spin and last I heard they said every time they answer the phone it's a listener requesting to play Goin' Underground. It's still playing. It made the national report the first week out. The WOLF is one of the biggest country music stations in West Virginia.
I established a publishing company named West Virginia Artist Publishing (WVA Publishing). I am self-published for now, and my BMI song catalog is under this publisher. I hope to become successful in the music industry and help other West Virginians to do the same. We have a lot of talent in this state.
Don Frost has taken me on to manage my Christian artist endeavors. Don has been in the industry for many years. Don is the founder of Frostbyte Records and Music City Gospel Showcase. You may contact Don by his toll free number 888-645-5357.
My interests include weight lifting, my family, and my church.
I am ready to go to the next level.
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