Born in Rock Island, Illinois. Studied music at Blackhawk College in Moline, Illinois, Jefferson State College in Birmingham, Alabama, Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida and Guitar Institute of Technology in Hollywood, California. Faculty member of Musicians Institute (GIT) since 1985.

Began playing the guitar in 1965 with a professional career begining in 1966 in the bars and nightclubs of the upper Mississippi River Valley between Illinois and Iowa. In the late sixties/early seventies, the career path lead to one night stands on the college concert circuit, in ballrooms and at rock festivals throughout the Midwest.

Lived in Southeast Florida from 1974 through 1981 and worked the nightclub and lounge circuit throughout The Southeastern United States. Gained musical influence from the many Florida musicians that are natives of Cuba and South American countries. Spent one year in Birmingham, Alabama indulging on Southern Rock, Blues and R & B by playing juke joints, supper clubs and lounges throughout Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Mississippi.

 

Settled in Los Angeles, California in1982 and found gigs as a sideman and eventually music director on a long run of live concerts with pop stars of the sixties and seventies including Little Anthony, Martha & The Vandellas, Sam & Dave, Donny Brooks, Ron Holden, Al Wilson, Otis Day, Bobby Day, Brenton Wood, Jewel Akins, Freddie Cannon, Fabian, Dick & Dee Dee, Paul & Paula, The Platters, The Drifters, The Coasters, The Tokens, Bobby Kimball of Toto, Chuck Negron of 3 Dog Night, television personalities Wolfman Jack, Dick Clark, and Ed McMahon.

Gained useful experience playing Russian supper clubs, shows and special events in the Russian Community within Los Angeles in the late eighties.

In the early nineties, toured the United States as principal guitarist in live shows for the late singer/actress Nell Carter star of the smash hit Broadway musical “Ain't Misbehavin'” and television sitcoms “Gimme A Break” and “Hangin' With Mr. Hooper”.

 

Touring since 1996 with pianist Roger Williams and his quintet. Many performances with Roger are in concerts joined by the finest symphony orchestras in North America in the greatest music halls including Carnegie Hall. Appeared with Roger and the quintet on the PBS television special presentation “Pop Goes The Ivories”. Roger's tour schedule is currently ongoing.

Recording credits include HBO television series “Dream On” title theme, Disney-Buena Vista Cable TV production of “Elvis: The Great Performances” Volumes one and two soundtrack and “Pop Goes The Ivories” CD with Roger Williams.