First born son of working class parents, Alton Rex was born into a southern culture still trying to recover from the effects of the great depression. His early years were spent living from place to place, wherever his father’s military orders would dictate the family should live. His songs reflect the influence of gospel and country music on his early years. Alton’s first musical contact was the trumpet, which he played from the 4th grade throughout high school and college.
As a child, he was an avid reader, and he started to write poetry and prose shortly after the death of his natural father when he was eight. The music and writing just naturally evolved into songwriting as he was profoundly influenced in those days by traditional hymns, Hank Williams, Marty Robbins, the Beatles, Dylan, and other renaissance voices of the times.
His mother, motivated by the chance discovery of a guitar made of cardboard and telephone wire she found hidden in his closet, bought him his first guitar for Christmas 1965. Alton started playing in the rich coffee-house circuit of Kansas City at the age of 14, eventually debuting as a paid professional at the Sidewalk Café in Kansas City at age 16. During this time, his songs were influenced by John Prine, Neil Young, Brewer & Shipley, and Dana Cooper.
Since the release of his debut CD 'Soul Faces' in October, 2001, Alton has released two more CD's. He's headlined over 200 venues in 30 states and he's opened shows for several national acts including Jerry Jeff Walker, Commander Cody, Steve Holy, etc.
In 2002, he founded the VA Hospital Concert Tour which has delivered over 60 concerts at VA Hospitals in 12 states - all at no charge to the VA. The Tour is sponsored two corporations and some private citizens.
At the beginning of 2005, along with Chris Beirne founded the Crabby Grass Boys and in two short years, they've become a favorite on the Texas Festival Circuit. The band is currently recording their first studio CD, and they anticipate a release in June, 2007.
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