At just three years old, while most kids were watching cartoons or learning to ride a tricycle, I was sitting in front of a chord organ—my fingers barely big enough to press the keys, my feet dangling above the pedals. That small instrument sparked something deep in me, something that would grow into a lifelong passion and a career rooted in sound, soul, and legacy.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but that chord organ would become the foundation of my life in music.
Music was in my blood. My grandfather, a passionate organist himself, founded the Connecticut Valley Theatre Organ Society (CVTOS) to help preserve and celebrate the rich tradition of theatre organ music. I grew up surrounded by the magic of these instruments—massive, breathing machines with thousands of pipes and infinite emotion. Whether it was the warmth of a Wurlitzer or the thrill of a pipe organ shaking the walls, I was captivated.
I eventually became a member of the American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS), following in my grandfather’s footsteps and embracing the very culture he helped create. I studied organ formally, learning classical technique, jazz harmony, and improvisation. The organ became more than just an instrument to me—it became my voice.
But then I heard the Hammond.
That sound… gritty, soulful, warm, alive. It moved me in a different way. The Hammond organ didn’t just play music—it spoke. It prayed. It shouted. It grooved. I fell in love all over again.
Eventually, I was honored to become a Hammond Artist, joining a community of players who’ve shaped the sound of American music across generations. And while that was a huge milestone, I knew it was only part of the journey.
My latest album, Just Getting Started, is both a personal statement and a musical mission. It’s about looking back at where I began—on that little chord organ as a kid—and forward to everything still ahead. The melodies are rich, the stories are real, and the heart behind every note comes from that early connection I had with music, family, and tradition.
People often ask me what keeps me going. The answer is simple: I still feel like that three-year-old kid, pressing those first keys in wonder. The dream never stopped—it just grew louder.
And trust me when I say… I'm just getting started.
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