Classic rock songs or classical music have always inspired me. I’m also inspired by personal events that happen in my life or someone else’s life. How long have you been writing songs? What do you consider your style and primary genre to be? For over 4 decades, I've been writing songs for my own enjoyment and self- exploration. Having written for so long I've written in many genres just to try and expand my creativity. Mostly I compose in guitar classical instrumentals, comedy, classic rock and contemporary country. But, I've also written in Flamenco, jazz, Funk, and Pop. Trying to make quality recordings and do the business side of music still challenges me. As a songwriter, I can write anything I want in any genre, but artists must constantly appease their unique fan base. Do you have a ‘greatest influence’ when it comes to songwriting? Tell me about who influenced you. As long as I can remember I’ve always loved Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, and Grand Funk Railroad. I’ve enjoyed the more complex song structures of Grand Funk. Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin took blues/rock to new levels by trying new things. The Rolling Stones songs lyrically were real, personal, and simple for the most part. But, I’m also influenced by: Emerson, Lake, and Palmer; Bach, and Chopin in the classical music sense. What is the favorite song you have written and what is its back story? As a songwriter, the quote is "the best two songs I've ever written are the one I just finished and the one I'm working on now." We're also not very good and determining what will be a great song. The most requested songs or recognizable songs I've written are the comedy songs "Uncle Nick," "They Taste Like Chicken," and "Ugly." However, when I was a young teen I set the Poem “After the Rain” to a simple ballad with a moving bass line. Although I’ve only played the song in public a few times and it has no commercial viability, I still really like that one. For over a decade I closed every personal practice and writing session with the song. It always takes me away to a simple, quiet, pastoral setting. For me it’s very intimate, private, and relaxing. Currently, "That's When It Hit You" is commercially the most popular. What are your goals this year (2015) as a songwriter? I want to continue writing more commercially viable songs and pitch them. When I get a free moment I’m working on a website and EP of songs about aviation, or songs with emotions from a pilot’s perspective. Once I get enough songs for the EP completed, I plan on starting a website called “Barn Rocket” to blend various aviation blogs with aviation music, education, and fun. In the mean time I plan to record several of my newest guitar solos as well as continuing to pitch “That’s When It Hit You” which was recently selected for NSAI’s Pitch to Publisher luncheon. Very Cool. I'm also co-writing on a regular basis. NSAI is an organization that is totally devoted to helping songwriters. How has NSAI helped you along your songwriting path? The three biggest things I've gotten from the Nashville Songwriter's Association ( NSAI) are: 1. Meeting other amateur and professional songwriters has been very inspirational, educational, and humbling. 2. NSAI’s vast library of songwriting tips and business tools is invaluable! 3. I’ve met several co-writers through NSAI and they keep me motivated. Who is your songwriting hero and why? Kenny Loggins and I have met briefly a few times. He’s a great guy, very talented, and legendary.