I was nine years old when I started playing harmonica in a school band. That was 1950. I started playing autoharp in 1963.
What was the first concert you ever went to?
The first and only concert I have been to as audience, was Trace Adkins at Grand Old Opry, about four years ago when I was in Nashville, doing an album.
What gear do you use?
I have manufactured autoharps, luthier 'harps, one of a kind 'harps. I have mainly Hohner harmonicas. My favorite piece is whatever I'm playing at the moment.
Who was your biggest musical influence growing up?
I listened to just about anything I could, so my influences came from almost every genre. Most everything I write has a different style to it.
Are you in a band? Have you been in bands?
No, I'm mostly solo, although I have paired with others occaisionally.
If you could jam with anyone, who would it be?
I jammed once with Alison Krauss, along with other bluegrass bands, and always preferred those jams.
What's the biggest audience you ever performed to? What's the smallest?
Seven thousand, at California State Fair; one, at a rest home in Montana. Most memorable - playing for 500 women at a snowed - in retreat. Band couldn't make it, and I played for two hours to fill in.
You're stuck on a desert island and only get to bring one album with you. What do you pick?
Nora Jones at New Orleans. Live concert, on video. Love the variety, the band - and Nora.