How did your career in music begin?
I moved to Atlanta from Meridian, Miss., in 1989 when I was 21, and started playing professionally that fall in and around the Atlanta area and the Southeast in an acoustic duo. It really "began" when I started playing guitar when I was 15 in the spring of 1983. I wanted to learn to play so one day my dad showed me a few chords.
How old were you when you started performing?
I guess I was about 10 years old when I began playing trumpet in my elementary school band. I performed in a few recitals and marched with the band during those years.
The first time I officially performed as a guitarist and singer was in the summer of 1985. Some friends and I had a band and one night we played at another friend's house party.
Where's your favorite location to perform?
That's a hard one. I honestly don't have favorites. Not a favorite food, color, car, etc. I really love performing and entertaining so much, I look forward to every place we play. I've been to so many great places it's just hard to say. My favorite places to play are anywhere there's a fun audience that loves what we do!
What type of music did you listen to growing up?
I was exposed to lots of music growing up, from '50s and '60s pop, rock and country to '70s classic rock and '80s pop and country. Pretty much everything.
Are you working on something right now?
Yes! I'm very excited about our new CD. I've been working on it for almost the last year now and it's very close to being done. It's a 10-song, (actually 11 with a prelude to one of the songs), all original CD recorded in Atlanta with some of the greatest players in Atlanta.
Do you find yourself wrapped up in your work, or do you take time to vacation?
I get very wrapped up in my work, the band and everything involved in operating it. Vacation? What is that? I haven't had a vacation since the fall of 2001!
What type of advice would you give to those aspiring to have a career in music?
Get a good job and forget it! I'm just kidding, of course, but it can be a hard road. Seriously, I guess I would advise an aspiring musician or artist to know exactly what they were trying to do, and then be very focused and dedicated in their efforts at accomplishing their goal.
Is it natural to be up on stage in front of a crowd?
It's very natural. After 19 years and almost 2,200 gigs professionally, it's natural.
Why is your band known by the slogan "small band, big sound?"
For us to be a three-piece group, we're really loud. People normally walk up to us after a show and are amazed at the sound coming from just us three.
Were there ever times that you thought maybe music wasn't for you?
There have been times over the years playing professionally that I was discouraged in the business and might have thought about "getting out" so to speak, but ultimately and truly, I would never and could never stop being a professional musician.
Who would you contribute much of your success to?
My parents and friends have always been extremely supportive. My parents provided early opportunities to explore the possibility of doing this for a living.
Are your children interested in playing instruments or music?
I have a wonderful 8-year-old son. He loves hearing me play guitar and is very aware when I'm writing a song. I gave him his first guitar when he was 9 months old, and he likes when I give him a guitar lesson.
When can we expect your next music project?
The new CD should be out in about a month or so. I'll begin recording the next CD soon.
Do you write your own music?
Absolutely. Big Swig plays cover songs as well, but the new CD is all original material.
