PastorRandy

My dad made me a guitar age 3, he taught me basic chords and some theory up until he died when I was 14.   In 1969-70 thru their recorded albums I discovered Freddy King, and Eric Clapton and CCR (John Fogerty)who came along and changed my life.  I taped a quarter over the needle on my record player and learned their licks note for note on a 1972 LP guitar(later stolen in LA 1973 and I'm still upset!)   My dad was friends with Eldon Shamblin who played with Bob Wills.  I was blessed in being able to take lessons from him in Tulsa at The Guitar House (when he was off the road) and he taught me some jazz standards and of course western swing pieces.  I went to Nashville in 1977 at age 20 with Eldon's help-he made some calls and opened doors. I auditioned for a couple of A&R record label guys, but they wanted me to go on the road to cut my teeth (road experience), but I wanted to record.  In the 70's, Nashville was very different than today, back then songwriters were in demand, not pickers.  I came back to Tulsa after a couple of weeks and played in various bands.  In 1981, I got bit by the "Chet Bug" and I copied his style.  I have attended CAAS for several years and even jammed with the Great TE!  In 1997, Because Eldon taught me to read printed notes(from clarinet studies) I started playing guitar with a religious men's choir with a 50 piece band that travels around the world.  We played in the Sydney Opra House in 2003 and that was a great experience.  In the last couple of years because of Steve Krenz, I have explored the classical guitar and Steve is very inspirational for older guys like me and I'm learning a lot from him and I enjoy these live lessons which are great.  I had 5-way heart bypass surgery in Dec. 2016 and thanks to Steve for the great artists that you put on each week which is great therapy for me.  I love everything about guitar and it's fun to see how good these young guys and girls play all these various styles.  I'm too busy as a pastor to attend the gathering this year, but maybe next year I'll make it.  Thanks again Steve Krenz!  P.S. I have purchased many pedals recently, my wife comes into my music room and says, "oh, your watching that pedal salesman again" so keep em coming!