Posted by Old Time Doc John on Monday, October 10, 2011
As I type this I am working on my Debut CD called The Long Journey Home. My Life has been a long journey,one that saw me go from a kid from a broken home. A young teenager who got into legal trouble due to being an angry young man looking for answers. I grew into a man that turned his life around and found happiness in the simplest of things.
Through that all the 5 string Banjo was there as my blanket,as my one thing that I could lean on to speak my mind when I was sad,to make my face smile whenI saw the sunrise in the mornings when I thought morning would never come. My Father was the man that I had to give so much love and thanks to for getting me into playing Banjo.
My Father was a 3rd generation musician in old time music and was the one that showed me how to play from the heart. My Father and I traveled together to shows and festivals. Years passed by and slowly Dad stopped playing due to health problems. But smiled every day when I played the Banjo or when I won a Banjo contest. Music gave my Father enjoyment as well it does for me. My Father was the man that raised me by himself, I never knew my mother as she abandoned me at a very young age.
My Father was my best friend,my mentor among many others that taught me, But most of all He was Dad. I stopped playing music in public for a few years due to Dad's Cancer getting worse. Dad passed away on December 4th of 2010. His last words to me was I love you son,I know that you had to give up a lot to take care of me. But I want you to be happy, I want you to go back into music and have fun. My Father smiled a beautiful smile and went in peace.
Now I am on a Journey to make a name for myself in Old Time Music,My Journey is to carry on my family legacy and to be the one of the best all around Banjo players. I have taken a long journey to get back to where I need to be. But Life is like a river. Every thing comes back full circle for a reason. This CD project is about my life,my fathers family legacy, a tribute to my mentors like Anson Miester, Wilson Douglas, Lee Sexton, JP Fraley, Mike Seeger, Paul David Smith,and many others that have took time to teach me great tunes and techniques.
The Journey a head will not be easy,but lord nothing really is. It's about making the best out of the worse things and finding a way to survive. Life is truly the greatest of teachers. Never take things for Granted,smile and pick the Banjo like theres no tomorrow.
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