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

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

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

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.

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 really believe in myself. I'm the hardest worker I know, and one of the best songwriters. There's a craft to it, and it takes a long time to hone it, and I work really hard at it.

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