My Dad was a Methodist Preacher Man… Church just seems to bring that out of people, singing and joy… so I was hooked on singing pretty much before I could even talk.

One day, early 90s, I was on an airport shuttle with my guitar in a case. An older gentleman sitting near me asked if I was a songwriter, to which I responded, yes. He handed me his card and said to send him a tune. I asked what he did for the record label on the card. He told me he handled Roy Orbison’s estate. I said I’d go home and write him a Roy Orbison style song and send it to him. I wrote it and sent it. I’ve always revered Roy, a true legend who went too soon.

For me, integrity shows up in the lyrics. I’ve always tried to write songs that wrestle honestly with love, faith, loyalty, and truth. Over the years, it’s also been about persistence—sticking with the music, valuing the friendships it’s brought into my life, and respecting the craft of songwriting. Whether I’m honoring the musical legends who inspired me, writing something original at the piano or guitar, or just connecting with people face-to-face after a show, I try to keep it real. To me, integrity isn’t just a virtue—it’s a rhythm. It’s the steady beat of a life lived honestly, where the same guy who writes the song is the one standing behind every word when he sings it.