I was born in Ventura California on August 17th. We lived in a little town in California named Simi Valley. Music was a large part of my life growing up. My mom played the organ in church on Sundays, and I was her personal 'hymn book page turner.
' Mom taught us about playing music at an early age, and my dad taught us about country music. He had no musical talent to speak of, but he always had his radio on some cheesy mono am radio station. But it planted the country music seed. Not long after graduating the 7th grade, we moved to Bakersfield California. Through high school, I was in and out of a couple garage bands. One was named 'Internal Damage' if that tells what kind of music we played. But secretly in my car, I'd be playing the local country radio stations. My voice just seemed to fit it a lot better to George Strait than Ozzy Osborne. Right after high school, I went to work in the oil patch like everyone else does who hasn't gone off to collage. From then on out, it was Country music!Like it or not, that's all they played on their radios in the Patch. I only sang and played music around the house for family or friends but not much else. But the desire burned hard to become more than just a closet picker/singer. Then one day I read about a friend of mine that passed away. He was a great guitar player and a great friend growing up. I realized that you only get one chance on this planet, better do what's in your heart. So I decided to chase my singing dreams. I learned a few songs with a couple other local pickers and thought I'd give it a shot. The first time I actually had to get up on stage and play in front of people. I drank about four glasses of Sugar water because I was so afraid of fainting!! But I didn't, and I was received well enough that it made my queasy stomach feel better. From there I cut my teeth on many of the local Bakersfield Honky Tonk stages. After sweating on my guitar behind chicken wire and stages no bigger than a small table for years. I got a call from the Buck Owens Crystal Palace saying they needed a band to fill in for a Tuesday night slot opened up by a band who called in sick. We never even took a break we had so much fun that night. Not long afterwards, we were asked to fill in on a Thursday night. But this night the owner (Mr. Buck Owens) happened to be there. I was scared to death (Where's the sugar water??). But we pulled it off. He came up and shook our hands and said 'nice work boys.
' He ended up offering us the weekend gig, taking over for him after he got done playing his sets. Being the un-official house band, I have had the chance to meet and open for just about every hero I could have asked for. Buck's words and wisdom of the Bakersfield Sound over the years, is truly something I'll never forget. He was a good friend and a great mentor. The last time I spoke with him before his passing, I asked him how he keeps playing week in, and week out at the age of 76. He put his hand on my shoulder and said 'Steve, I just love to Honky Tonk, keeps me young!' While all this was going on in my playing years. I ended up cutting two albums. I got the chance to work with some of Nashville's top pickers and players. I was produced by Buddy Cannon and Noro Wilson. Sang songs from some of the greatest writers in the world including Dean Dillon, Kim Williams, Brad Paisley, Ron Harbin, Larry Bastian just to name a few. I got the opportunity to have the great George Jones sing on one of my songs (I Hate Rap). I have truly been blessed with a remarkable journey so far. As long as God keeps opening the doors, I'll keep on running and Honky Tonkin' that Bakersfield Sound!!!
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