I was born and bred artistically in South Carolina; I was able to read music at four years of age without being taught.

Began piano lessons at age 5. Began playing the organ at age 9 and naturally used substitute fingering to play legato. Took organ lessons briefly shortly after. Also, at 9, I was playing music by ear. Became a church musician in my home church at 12.

Also, at age 12, my piano teacher, Dr. John W. Hunter, Director of Choirs at Allen University in Columbia, SC, presented me in my first classical concert to the music majors. Included in the program were Debussy’s “Clair de Lune” and Chopin’s “Polonaise in A Major.” At age 15, I accompanied the Sidney Park CME Church community Christmas presentation of Handel’s Messiah, on organ, under the direction of James Arthur Williams, a prominent student of Dr. Hunter.

In the fall of 1965 at Virginia State, I had the rich experience of assisting Dr. Willis Patterson, bass-baritone, editor, music arranger, and most recently, professor emeritus/longtime Associate Dean of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theater & Dance, as the piano accompanist of the Virginia State College Opera Workshop. During the fall and spring Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors and Verdi’s Rigoletto were performed.

In the spring of 1966, I was the first student in the history of Virginia State University to be given the approval to accompany a senior recital. The vocalist I accompanied was Robert Fryson, who penned “God Is” ten years later. “God Is” was made popular by James Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir.

Began writing and arranging music at age 15. One of my most notable theory teachers was Undine Moore, who became known to some as the “Dean of Black Women Composers.” However, she believed the term ‘Black music’ should only refer to music written by a Black person. Her oratorio, based on the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.

I was introduced to acting in music theater at age 19 at Workshop Theater under the direction of the brilliant Cynthia Gilliam.

Began recording with professional sound engineers at age 32.

I continue to play piano and/or sing and compose in classical, pop, jazz, music theater, and Christian genres.

Received a Certificate of Completion in Biblical Intelligence from Everyday Seminary, in February 2020.