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 From my earliest memories, music has contributed immeasurable happiness
to my life.
When I was a little girl, my Grandma Macie played her auto harp and sang
to me. Grandma Ruth (for whom I was named) sang while bouncing me on her
knee. Daddy played guitar and also fiddled at local square dances. When
Wayne, my older brother, showed an interest in music, our parents
ordered a Sears Silvertone guitar. He quickly mastered it and begged
Daddy to teach him to play fiddle. Wayne then showed me guitar chords so
I could accompany him. Somehow, we both thirsted for more. Wayne’s next
instrument became his passion – a Gibson
mandolin. Then, I found mine – an old 1905
upright piano. Shortly after Roger, my younger brother, took his turn
with the Silvertone, he discovered his first love –
bass guitar!
The three of us were so enthusiastic about our music and we immediately
played well together. While rehearsing, our voices blended perfectly
together as well. Our parents encouraged us to form a trio and we began
singing in church and other community events. They unselfishly
supported every musical endeavor and were our biggest fans. We were
taught to first believe in God and then believe in ourselves and our
music would be effective. That special family “magic” is still in our
music after all these years.
Music was very important to me in school. I was the female lead in our 4th
grade production of “The Easter Parade.” In Junior High, I took
chorus and played guitar and sang in the annual talent contests. I
earned Honorable Mention for “The Birds and The Bees” in 7th
grade and placed Third in 8th Grade for “Act Naturally.” In
my Freshmen and Sophomore years, I continued in chorus and was selected
via audition for A Cappella Choir in my Junior and Senior
years. I also played piano in school pep rallies and other choral
functions.
Religious music made the deepest impression in my life. I served as
pianist or organist, wherever needed. Whether accompanying a quartet,
soloist or a choir, or be it a wedding, funeral or other Church event, I
genuinely loved Gospel music best! My ability to play afforded me
further opportunities to supplement my income through some tough
financial times.
When Grandma Ruth died in 1985, I was crushed. Two weeks after her
death, I wrote my first song, “Family Ties.” Roger was so
convinced of its merit that he recorded a demo and persuaded me to pitch
it to a Southern Gospel group, The Singing Cookes of Kingsport,
TN. I’ll forever be grateful that I trusted his instincts. Since
“Family Ties,” my life has never been the same! Songs began to
flow out of me, and I realized God had given me a special gift.
In 1988, I moved to Nashville to pursue songwriting. I’ve made some
wonderful friends in this business. One of my first piano/back-up vocal
gigs was with the late Ms. Martha Carson, a wonderful lady whose
signature song “Satisfied” was a Gospel song I’d played and sung
for years. Ms. Karen Wheeler, an awesome singer/songwriter and friend,
whose father was a member of the Grand Ole Opry, has recorded several of
my Gospel songs. I even had the privilege to meet and co-write with Mr. Ronnie Hinson, every Southern Gospel songwriter’s idol. His songs had
definitely influenced my musical style and I was honored for having been
blessed to learn from such a multi-talented icon whose work I had
admired and respected for years.
At times, I’ve dabbled with country, pop, and other styles of music, but
somehow felt something still was missing. After soul-searching,
something my Daddy once said explained it best: “What’s really in a
person comes out – if you just give it
time.” I realized that the very thing that virtually makes
my heart beat is what I really love best – GOSPEL MUSIC. From that
moment on, my purpose has been to feel what I write and write what I
feel – Gospel Music.
God continues to bless me to pen words of hope, healing and promise. If
I could leave this world with just one gift from me, it would be . . .
a song so powerful that hearts would be touched and lives would be
changed – in an instant . . . forever!
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