Growing up, music was part of family life. My parents and sister were also great dancers. We had a piano. I took lessons. I loved it but, when I turned 14, I quit for sports. I went to college. Music seemed at the heart of the creativity and chaos of the times. I learned to play guitar and, after some encouragement, to sing. I played and sang the songs I loved -- Jesse Winchester, Van Morrison, John Prine, Neil Young, James Taylor and, of course, Bob Dylan.
I played around at writing songs, but it didn't really feel right. Then, just a few years back, it suddenly did. I'm no longer that young long-haired guy in the photo with my best buddy. But I'm very glad I took up singing and playing.