I know how I like to be treated, so I always start by saying, 'Could you give me a moment of your time, I know you're very busy,' and usually, they will.

As corny as it may sound, my true goal was to crack the Americana market.

It's not an act, it's just my way.

You know, it sounds corny, but I believe in myself. And I work hard.

I'm proud to be paying taxes in the United States. The only thing is - I could be just as proud for half the money

Now I'm fortunate to have a good band in CA, and play many solo gigs as well. My point is that I stopped playing in bands and played solo for four years, to get back into the groove and pulse of writing and singing and who I am on stage.

I've been playing music all my life, from being a choir soloist at Symphony Hall as a youngster to playing in bands through high school and college at Kent State. Went in the service at 17, out before I was 21.