About Me
Born and raised in Marion, Va. A small town in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mtns. Grew up listening to my grandfather and his brothers play bluegrass and country tunes on their banjos and guitars. My mom also had a nice collection of 45s from the ‘50s I’d listen to a lot. I discovered Devo, the Clash, Dead Kennedys, the Cars and other punk/new wave bands after high school.Moved to Florida to attend college at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdle and have been here ever since. Really became involved in the hardcore/punk music scene following graduation. Saw some great bands like Black Flag, Circle Jerks, The Cramps, and the Bad Brains play at the peak of that movement, when it was new and vibrant, and that left a mark on me.
Relocated to the Orlando area and started my band Love Gods in Leisure Suits. In the beginning it was more of an artistic, creative outlet but as the band became popular and more renowned, I started to take singing more seriously. I hooked up with respected vocal coach Ron Feldman and over the next 6 yrs he dramatically improved my singing. Had a blast with Love Gods but after 3 yrs and numerous line up changes I was ready to do something else.I met the Zayas brothers and we discussed our love of early rock’n roll and a desire to put together an unbridled, raw, high energy, roots music band. Thus out of the ashes of all our other bands, Rocket 88 was born.My musical influences include Jerry Lee Lewis, Gene Vincent, Elvis, Henry Rollins, James Brown, The Clash, Carl Perkins, Charlie Feathers and Lux Interior (the greatest frontman ever).
I’ve always believed the performance and the visuals of a band are just as important as the music. No two shows are the same and you never know what will happen on any given night. It is all about the show - you gotta give the people their moneys worth!Artistic influences include Diane Arbus, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Gil Elvgren, Douglas Fraser, Charles Anderson.People say I look much younger than my age and I feel good about where I am in my life. Hey, if Lux and Iggy can still do it...
