About Me
"I YAM WHAT I YAM!....
I'm a full time musician cause'*I've never known any better!
Memorable experiences include playing with RCA recording artist, "DOTTSY", and with Porter Wagoner and his all girl band.I also had great fun playing with Hank Williams Jr's band when we were in the same place! I've spent 32 years in the Amarillo Symphony, 20+ years playing for musicals at Amarillo Little Theatre, & 14 years with the great country band "Young Country". I did travel on the road for several years playing all over and recording a "45" in Little Rock, Arkansas.(Yea, that shows my age!)I spent a year in California, playing mostly in Palm Springs. I love studio work and have plyed on numerous commercials and albums. This year, I received a Recognition and Achievement award from the West Texas Music Hall of Fame.
My family had jam sessions when I was young. I was always left out. I decided if I learned several instruments, I wouldn't ever be left out again. So far it has worked! (Fiddle, keyboard, drums, mandolin, rhythym guitar, and lead and harmony vocals.) My parents were both musicians..Carlton Scales(dad)a big band leader, also played sax, and clarinet. He hired my mom (Jerri Williamson)to sing & play piano in his band...He bought his own night club in the late 40's so he had a place to play without traveling. It was the Aviatrix Ballroom on Amarillo Blvd. It was the hot spot in the 40's, & 50's. All the great big bands played there, then came next door to our house and jammed all night. Most of the jams we have on tape.(Dad with Louie Armstrong, Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, The Dorsey's, and many others..)
I had my own music retail store,(www.scalesstrings.com) that had a small club (named for my dad's night club) the "Aviatrix". Unfortunately, It takes a lot more money than I had to stay in business! It doesn't help that I couldn't charge anyone full price! I CAN however, sleep at night!!!
What a great and interesting life for me and my 4 siblings who are also professional musicians!(Carli, Tommy, Nicky, & Sheri!)
My husband, Mike is not a musician and in fact lost music that he picked up for me. I always say he can't even carry a tune, or music! My kids, Nik(18) & Jerri(14), were introduced to music lessons at the earliest possible age, but both are in love with live theatre and are extremely talented actors. That's another thing I wish I could do...(act)I'll just continue to play for the local theatres and live that dream through my kids and the other actors on stage!
Life is too short..enjoy, share, live, & LOVE! Kindness goes a long, long way....
