Influences . . .

I've been singing as long as I can remember. I would only go to sleep if the radio was on when I was a little boy. My mother let me join the church choir when I was five years old. The director, Sister McHenry, was a dear friend of my mom's, and my little sister's Godmother. Though she had no music education, she knew how to make children feel good about themselves.

When I graduated to the young adult choir, I was introduced to my mentor, Arnold Meyers. Brother Meyers taught music in the public schools, and had enough faith in my voice to give me a solo. He also invited me to perform with his elite jazz band.

My uncle, Eugene Satterwhite, became ordained, and opened up his own church when I was 14. His church became my home church, and I played the drums in the band for 10 years occasionally singing a lead.

By this time I had a family, and music left my life. I became discouraged about ever doing anything with a talent that many people in my life had nurtured. I saw no way to support my family with it. I went to work for the state hospital on a series of temporary jobs.

I started singing karaoke at a place called Doyle's at Allenmore. My family and friends encouraged me to get into talent contests and hosting karaoke shows, which began to supplement my income. I had been going to several friends' studios, but still there wasn't much happening. The host, Dave Dilworth, and I started a band. 'Love Games' was a song I wrote, and originally did with Dilworth.

My first big break was when I hooked up with the older brother of my best friend from church. Ajames was doing a project with Sir Mix-A-Lot, and introduced me to him. I was happy to just meet Mix, but he wanted to swap off some background vocals for some studio time! I was cool with that!

I came away with one song, but more than that, working with a big star gave me a new level of confidence. I knew what I had to do, and I believed I could do it. That's when the Lord blessed me with an introduction to Denny Gore who is not only my producer, but also my friend. Denny is an accomplished conductor and pianist who has both an impressive resume' and award case. He has brought life to my earliest dreams.

These have been the major influences in my musical maturity.

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