Album Notes

I was born on September 23, 1953 in Chester, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. Being the youngest of nine children, I was fortunate to be exposed to all kinds of music. My parents, both of whom were born and raised in the knob country of South Central Kentucky, introduced me to the Carter Family, Jimmy Rodgers, Hank Williams and so much more. From my brothers and sisters I heard the Platters, Elvis, Johnny Mathis, and Motown. Johnny Horton and the Four Tops were early favorites of mine. Our family attended the Chester Mennonite Church, and it was there that I heard all those great old gospel songs. "Rock Of Ages", my mother's favorite, "Power In The Blood", "Higher Ground", and "Open The Wells Of Salvation", songs I love to this day.

When I was around fourteen, my older brother played Bob Dylan's "Highway 61 Revisited" for me and everything changed. Although it was three or four years before hearing Dylan that I began writing poetry, I suddenly got very serious about it. From the mid 70's through the late 80's I began reading my poetry in various clubs around the Philadelphia area, including the Painted Bride, as well as at the Walt Whitman International Poetry Center in Camden, New Jersey. Both of these recitals were by "invitation only", and therefore my first tastes of success. To this day I am honored and proud to have been chosen.

In 1990, I moved to Nashville to pursue a songwriting career. I was thrilled to have George Jones record a song of mine called "Angel's Don't Fly" which was included on his album entitled "Along Came Jones". The song was later recorded and released as a single by Country artist James Prosser. I also Co-wrote "Disappointed" with Alt-Rocker, Matthew Ryan, which appeared on Ryan's A & M Records debut Album, "Mayday".

After much encouragement from fellow songwriters and music industry friends, I decided to record my own album. With the help of some very talented people, to whom I will be forever grateful, and the undying support of family and friends near and far, I am pleased to present "Name Of The Train."