About Me
Part of my New Year's resolution was to get my MYSPACE in a little better shape! LOL So, here is a little about me.Been in the music biz since I was Eleven (back in the good old days when kids could work in clubs!). Have had several interesting chapters in my life. I'll try to break them down.1)Spent my first few years professionally in Houston, Texas which became my musical home. Played at Gilleys club in the early days, played with many of the guys associated with that "Urban Cowboy" era, which included Kelly Schoppa, Johnny Lee, Mickey Gilley, Joe Cruz, Carroll Gilley and many more. Also spent a little time in Victoria, Texas and Rowsell, N.M.2) Moved to Mt. Home, Arkansas in the mid 80's to work in the music theater business. Had a show in town called "Doug Driesel's Twin Lakes Opry". Got an opportunity in early 1987 to join Denny Hilton in Lake of the Ozarks and took the position of singer/bassist.3) After Denny closed his doors, I spent a brief time with David Alan Coe, a maniac who to this day is the craziest a@@hole I have ever met. After four months, I landed a dream Job with Mickey Gilley, who at that time was still selling out arenas and playing Vegas and Reno alot. Toured during this time with Gilley with a bunch of acts including Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Sammy Davis Jr.,Janie Fricke, Kathy Mattea, and many many more.4) Work with Gilley from 88 to 91, and during this time sold a television project to Vision Broadcasting that I had developed. It was called "America's Country Magazine" which I hosted along with Vickie Brower for the better part of two seasons. Show guests included Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Clint Black, Eddy Rabbitt, and many many more.5) I call this period "the dark years" LOL. SHow folded, I had left Gilley, Wife filed for divorce, and left with almsot nothing to show for all my work. Spent the next two years on the road with Mark Nesler (Nashville songwriter) as Bass guitar player and road manager. Left Mark to form Deforest and West, a rowdy road band with my buddy Richard Ebert. Offically began at this point to work as Doug Deforest, as the names "Driesel and Ebert" sounded like movie critics! LOL Worked this group for around Two Years, becoming the most insane and best drawing group on the Rocky Mountain circut. Played Denver, Phoenix, Albuquerque, Amarillo, Calgary, and Edmonton on a regular basis.6) Met my wife of thirteen years, Amy and left Houston, Texas for Houston, Missouri. I went into the writing and publishing business opening Major Key Music on music row in Nashville. Had a good time doing this, but decided the publishing business was definitely not my cup of tea. Continued to write though, with some of the top writers of the time. Also started working with a bunch of rag tag fellas in Drasco, Arkansas, who eventually became known as "The Cuttin Crew!"7) Ended up in Cherokee Village, Arkansas where I am today. I have worked with the Cuttin Crew for the last ten years, recording hundreds of CD's and producing many records. I have been lucky enough to produce such acts as Doug Spartz, Todd Fritsch, Megan Munroe, Eddy Raven, Johnathan Edwards, Bobby Vee, and many many more. Opened Lake Paradise Studios in Cherokee Village, and became involved in North Arkansas music in a big way. Continue to develop new talent like Jackson Cozort, The Ryan Tyler Band, Liz Talley, Always April, Ryan Curon and many many more.
