- From New York City. Lives in Maryville, Tennessee.
- Three-time winner of National Flatpick Guitar Championship in Winfield, Kansas (1978, 1984, 1986).
- Writes guitar instruction books for Mel Bay Publications and instruction videos for Homespun Tapes. He is known as the “World’s Guitar Instuctor.”
- Also conducts guitar workshops and hosts “Acoustic Music Kamps” featuring instruction and mentoring from top musicians. There are “Kamps” for just about every acoustic instrument in bluegrass and folk music.
- Started his own record label, Sleeping Bear Records.
- Owns and operates the Palace Theatre in Maryville, an acoustic music venue.
RECOMMENDED ALBUMS:
- “Breaking Out” (1990, Sleeping Bear)
- “Arkansas Traveler” (1994, Sleeping Bear)
- “Bullet Train” (1997, Sleeping Bear)
- “Circles” (2001, Sleeping Bear)
- “Stylin” (2004, Sleeping Bear)
- Mystique (2007, Sleeping Bear)
- “Acoustic Stomp” (2009, Sleeping Bear)