I was born some time in the 1900's in Birmingham, Alabama. Having musical parents must have been the influence that lead me to becoming a performer. My mother and father performed in many nightclubs and also recorded numerous commercials for local TV and radio. They divorced when I was very young, so I don't remember life very much with my father. From the little time I got to spend with him, I do know that he was an exceptionally talented guitar player. Thanks to old reel-to-reel tapes on which they recorded their nightclub gigs and some commercials, I have evidence of my parents’ great talents. My mother, who went by the stage name of Terri Knight, was an incredibly gifted singer. In 1963, she was fortunate enough to record a few 45’s - two of them being produced by Patsy Cline's producer, Owen Bradley. These recordings featured session players of that era such as Buddy Harman, Boots Randolph and The Jordanaires. Although the songs never made it onto the charts, they are classic recordings in my family. I've shared some clips for you to hear on the AUDIO page.

As a child, I didn't really play much with other kids in the neighborhood. I stayed inside with my records and used to play along with them on the piano. I had a natural ability to play by ear and also to sing harmonies as far back as I can remember. My earliest recollection is listening to Elton John's "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" album. I used to sit for hours and play along. I idolized him and couldn't wait until the next album came out. At that time, I wanted to be a professional keyboard player when I grew up. I took piano lessons for many years, but I must say that I was lazy when it came to practicing!

Being a shy kid, I never really participated much in school activities. Even though I knew I could sing, the thought of singing in front of anyone terrified me. Nevertheless, I auditioned for high school choir and got a chance to learn more about my musical abilities through singing. It was there where I first understood how music "felt" in my body.

As the years went on, I really gravitated toward R&B music. I would sing along, trying to emulate the singers who I now consider my influences - Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Jeffrey Osborne, Prince and many others. I wanted to be the next white guy who sounded "black." While in my early 20's, I sang in a talent contest at a black nightclub in Birmingham. Here I was, a scrawny white guy, belting out a love ballad and I got several looks from several people, like, "Who ARE you?" Well, I won $50 that night and since then I knew I wanted to become a better singer.

I moved to Atlanta, Georgia in the late 80's working for BellSouth Advertising as a graphic artist. While working this full time job, I became involved in community theatre. First starting behind the scenes, I eventually got the nerve up to audition for a show. My first show was "Anything Goes." I actually tap danced in that show. From then on, I went to do more theatre and kept growing as a performer. Eventually, I started getting paid singing jobs. Being around other performers, I knew I had a lot to learn to grow as a performer.

A turning point in my life came in 1999. While still at the day job, I got cast in a show at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta. It was called "Chess" which was directed by David Bell. I knew I had a tough decision to make - leave the secure, corporate day job or pursue a career as a performer. I decided to take the role and I jumped off the cliff. It was only a two-month contract, so I had no idea what I was going to do after that. I had also been singing with a cover band at that time, but with not enough gigs to sustain a living.

In 2000, I was cast on my first cruise ship. This was a big deal for me, as I had never been away from home for so long (or out of the country!). Even with ship life and being away from friends and family, it was worth it. After working on six cruise ships, I have been literally around the world. Now, the only continent I have yet to conquer is Antarctica!

In 2005, I toured with Elton John as a backup singer. I had the great privilege to record with the "Voice of Atlanta" choir on his CD "Peachtree Road" in 2004. Elton was so impressed with us that he wanted to take us out on the road with him. Could I have planned this? I think not. How could a boy who used to sit all alone his room listening to his idol Elton John end up touring with him? Life seems so random sometimes.

To continue with the "randomness," I had a right-time, right-place moment in 2006. I happened to be visiting Los Angeles in April and was offered the opportunity to be in a 100-person choir in a recording session for Neil Young. They wanted to get the CD out as soon as possible and it was released a month later. It is called "Living With War." It was quite an honor to be a part of such a historic project. As I have always read liner notes since I was a kid, I was amazed to meet and sing alongside many people whose names I had known for many years. It was a kick to actually see these people in person and put a face with the name. Ah, serendipity...