Spirit Radio: Where are you from originally and what sort of things were you into growing up?

Born in Colorado Springs, CO. But I grew up mostly in Nebraska. (Though I've lived in Colorado longer than anywhere.) I'm now in Missouri because that's where the Lord has led us to be for now. Growing up, I believe that, even with no formal lessons, I've been in music for almost as long as I can remember. Yes, I can say that my number one interest has been the guitar. Though I did love water skiing, baseball and camping.

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SR: How did you get started in the music business?

As a child, I watched the older kids, that had bands. Garage bands that actually played somewhere. I wanted to do that too. At that time, I didn't realize that the Lord had given me a "gift" of music. So, as a young boy, I started a band and started playing what they called "coke time" teen dances. Then on to ballrooms, proms, homecomings, clubs and bars. This was my "story" for a long time until 1977, when I found that the Lord was patiently waiting for me to be in His music business. That is the business of saving souls! That is when I really got started in the music business!

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SR: How long have you been doing what you are doing now?

In some fashion or another, I've been playing and singing for the Lord for around 26 years. Though I've been playing professionally for many more years.

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SR: Who were some of your musical influences?

Randy Stonehill, Chuck Girard, Neil Diamond, Don Francisco, Stephen Curtis Chapman, Phil Keagy,

Lynnrd Skynrd, Santana, Buddy Holly...(David...the Psalmist)

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SR: For those who may not have heard you before, how would you describe your music?

I've been coined as "blended rock" by other musicians who were trying to describe my style. My influences date back to Buddy Holly and range to sort of a "classic country rock" But don't let that sway your opinion. My styles are very diverse. From good ole Rock'n roll to very contemporary to acoustic mellow and acoustic rock. I'm somewhere in the mix. My style is dependent on what the Lord gives me to say, not a popular genre. Though it is based around my guitar playing and vocal capabilities that show a strong Neil Diamond influence.

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SR: What would you say that most of your songs are about?

Jesus! Either directly or as a result of the influence that He has had upon a situation, an event, or me. If one constantly seeks the Lord and a personal relationship with Him, the Father, and the Holy Spirit, there is no way that you can run out of material or inspiration. Salvation is the "first" most important subject, but not the only one.

.SR: What are your feelings toward Christians listening to secular music?

Secular music. What is "secular"? I believe that there are a lot of "secular" musicians, out there, who are extremely gifted. Just like for a Christian, there shouldn't be such a thing as "secular". Our job, our hobbies, or any other outside interest are part of our walk with the Lord. He cares about every area of our lives and can use anything to draw us back to Him. Have I wandered a little? Christians should be mature enough to examine what they listen to and see so that it does not draw them away from their relationship with the Lord! Remember this... most of the music available today was meant to glorify the Lord, by Him. Yet He gave us a free will to use our gifts as we see fit. That's who He is. Even if we choose to glorify the world, He gave the gift.

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SR: How has God been working in your life lately?  What things has He been teaching you?

Dependence! I'd like to say that I'm a very "independent" person. But, the truth of the matter is that without Him, I can't accomplish any good thing. I'm learning the truth of the fact that He said that He would never leave me nor forsake me. During these darkest hours, He is always there. Closer than any friend or relative. There is NOTHING in my life that He doesn't care about. And NOTHING that is too big for Him to take care of. None of our circumstances or situations surprise the Lord. He doesn't get "shocked" at life, like we do.

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SR: What is the most important thing that you would like people to take away from your music or live shows?

First, I'd like it to be an "encounter with the Lord". I am not against entertainment. I mean God has to be "entertained" just sitting up there watching this whole "show" that we call "life". I want them to be blessed for having spent whatever time that they did with me and my Lord. Whether it was listening to my CD"s or sitting in a crowd in a concert hall, church, in the parking lot of a shopping center, on a stage in a shopping mall, or the precious environment of a coffee house that seems to bring things into a more personal environment, I want them to go away with a "smile" that they spent "quality" time with us. (That is Jesus and me)

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SR: What is your favorite bible verse?

That changes with the morning dew. Today, for me, I think that it is Joshua 1:5 ... "I will never leave you nor forsake you"

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SR: What things do you like to do in your spare time?

Spend time with my wife. We enjoy just being together and getting into the Lord and His plans for us, together. And I practice, write and record a lot. (It's nice when you have your own recording company and studio.) White Horse Records

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SR: Who is your favorite Christian artist?

I could give you many. David...the Psalmist,  Paul Clark, Chuck Girard, Don Francisco, Richie Furay, Randy Stonehill, Stephen Curtis Chapman,  and Bryan Penny