Matthew Temple

I grew up in the Pacific North West and started taking guitar lessons when I was 7 years old. I sang in the boy’s choir for the Portland Opera Company when I was 12 (now that was fun!!!). I started writing folk music in college in the mid 60’s and sang with Duke Ellington in the early 70’s. The “Duke” was my introduction to Jazz. When I first sang for him I was having some problems understanding phrasing and when to get in and out of a word. I asked if they had charts and he looked at me and said "look Rosy Cheeks, it's jazz you can either sing it or not". What can I say I didn't get fired.. ?I formed a band that played at venues like the Benson Hotel in Portland, OR, The Sands Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, and The Olympic & Washington Plaza Hotels and Rosario Resort in Washington. In 1980 I was hit by a drunk driver and lost the strength and control of my left hand. I continued to write songs but it took years of work before I could play again. The “The Journey” is my first CD. It took me 10 years to the day to complete it. If you have ever dreamed of having the world hear your music then take a moment and listen to “Street Musician”. You can hear clips at www.eyesofapoet.com.