I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia in the fifties. I was captivated by the guitar while watching Elvis Presley perform on the Ed Sullivan Show. My father then bought me a guitar from the pawn shop and I was fortunate to find a guitar teacher, Wesley Jackson, in my community. I began taking lessons immediately. At the age of ten I was often recommended to local artist as a sideman in different bands. That led me to the opportunity to play at The Royal Peacock on Auburn Avenue in Atlanta backing many of the Big Stars in their prime such as, Solomon Burke. Eddie Floyd, Sam Cook, Johnny Taylor, Wilson Pickett and others.
One summer when I was 13, I discovered jazz guitarist, Wes Montgomery, while visiting my aunt in Birmingham, Alabama. Then I began to listen to other guitarist and discovered Grant Green, Joe Pass, George Benson, Earl Klugh, , and Kenny Burrell, all of whom have influenced my sound in a very creative way. I have been fortunate to perform with the Four Tops, Bobby Womack, E