In my spare time, I sing baritone with the Vocal Majority, the premier men's chorus in the world, the Dallas Metro Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. Use my promo code 5054 to get 10% off of your VM show tickets at vocalmajority.com. I also spend time writing songs and playing the piano/keyboard. I weigh too much, so I like to swim and dive for exercise.
I'd like to meet:
Anyone who is loving, honest, and accepting of others for who they are. Jesus of Nazareth because of my faith. Toby Keith because I think he would be a loyal friend with mutual interests--besides, my wife thinks he's hot. Bill Ingvall because I think he is a super-funny guy. Reese Witherspoon just because she's cute and talented in many ways. I've met George W., but I am so impressed with Sen. Jim Webb's writing and with his position on things that I think I have to add him.
Music:
In addition to singing with the VM, I recently became a member of the Sons of the Roadside Playboys. My dad, JB Westbrook, and Tommy X Hancock were co-founders of the Roadside Playboys back in the early '50's. Tommy's sons Louie and Joaquin recently put together a reunion band (Louie, guitar/vocals; Joaquin, guitar/bass; Kenny Maines, bass/lead vocals; Doyle Hoggard, lead guitar/vocals; Richard Barnett, drums; Wally Moyers, pedal steel; and myself, keyboards; guest background vocals included: Holli Hancock Barnett, LaTronda Maines Moyers, and Patricia Vaughn). What a band! We played at the Cactus Theater in Lubbock (thank you Don Caldwell and Bob Livingston). I would like to form my own quartet. I'd hoped to form one with my Singing Valentines quartet, but it didn't pan out.
I like all kinds of music, but I prefer to listen to pop and classic rock. Most of what I listen to regularly is 60's, 70's, and early 80's, but I like anything these days that would fit in that genre. Unlike my earlier years, I appreciate anything with a political, social, religious, or love message. I hope to produce an album of my own music in the near future and to have others demo or cover my creations (who wouldn't?).
Movies:
I am a movie nut! I should have become a music composer for great films. My three favorite movies are Dead Poet's Society, Changing Lanes, and Shall We Dance (the Japanese version, only--the American version is in different context, so the same message does not transcend). At last count, I own about $6K in DVDs and VHS tapes.
Television:
NCIS, Grey's Anatomy, House, Boston Legal, all CSIs, Two and a Half Men, American Idol, Encore and IFC movies.
Books:
My favorite book is The Cost of Discipleship by Deitrich Bonhoffer. Lately, I've read 1776 and Born Fighting: How the Scots-Irish Shaped America, and The Heart of a Woman. Otherwise, I'm not very well read. Right now I'm reading Prayer in America (I highly recommend it).
Heroes:
My wife, Connie--she is a great mother, fantastic housekeeper, hard worker, and she has put up with me through thick and thin. My dad was an example of how to be a Christian. My mother was an example of how to always question what you believe and why. My father-in-law taught me how to mechanic and how to be a dad because my own died when I was four. My mother-in-law taught me patience :). My children for making me feel special. My mentors in work and my teachers and professors in school.
