Life, however, had other plans.
In 2012, during a difficult period financially and personally, I was forced to sell my only guitar — a Martin 12-string I had owned for years. Letting it go felt like giving up part of myself. But that same Christmas Eve, my nephew Noah Rauch surprised me with an Alvarez guitar and said something I’ll never forget:

A few years later, another nephew, Kevin Heider — an accomplished guitarist and songwriter — encouraged me to begin recording my own music. He taught me the basics of home recording and generously shared equipment and guidance that helped me bring my songs to life. Much of the music featured on this site exists because of his support and inspiration.

I performed my original satirical song Cocaine Crazy, and the audience response surprised me completely. After the show, folk radio host Nick Noble approached me and asked if I had recorded the song because he wanted to play it on his radio program. Hearing my music later broadcast on public radio was a turning point in my life — one that made me realize this dream was still alive.

I may still be “just passing through,” but I’m grateful for every stage, every listener, and every opportunity to share my music along the way.