I grew up in the south in an era when cars were as important to a guy as the air he breathed. As most boys of that era, I developed an interest in automobiles at a very early age and literally dreamed of the day I would have my very own car. The first car I was able to tool around in was my dad's 1953 Chrysler New Yorker. It was a big ugly old clunker but it really didn't matter . . . it had wheels . . . it rolled . . . and a big old Hemi engine . . . which kinda made it acceptable. Well the day came when I was finally able to buy my very first car . . . a 1955 Ford, The year was 1960 and this was the car that finally got me on the road . . . as well as a couple of tickets. It used twice as much oil as gas but I really didn't care . . . it was mine . . . all mine. I followed this car with a 1957 Ford Fairlane. This car was a beauty and in great condition . . . and it had this new car smell that I can still remember today. It was the perfect car . . . At least until that hot summer day in 1963. I was cruisin' around Lubbock, Texas when I saw the car of my dreams . . . on a lot . . . for sale! It was a 1961 Chevy Impala 2 door hardtop. The car was Honduras Maroon in color and the interior was white tuck and roll with gray trim. It had chrome wheels, a big engine and four-on-the-floor. There was always some question as to the motor. It was probably a pumped-up 348 cubic inch engine, but from the way it ran I like to think it was the engine of the day . . . the Chevy 409. This car was a screamer . . . with 3 two barrel carbs, tuned headers, muncie 4 speed and a 4:11 posi rear end. My dad took one look at this car and without a flicker of hesitation a very strong and solid "NO WAY" rolled off his lips. If ever I needed to be a salesman this was definitely the time. I sold, I begged, I pleaded, I rationalized and I agonized. And finally after what seemed like a lifetime we went to get the car. I am pretty sure it wasn't my skills of salesmanship as much as he was just sick of listening to me . . . but whichever it worked. I was about to step into the muscle car era. I had that car until 1969 . . . and I still think about that car from time to time In 1969 my life changed once again. I moved to California, thought I had grown up, got married and then I saw the movie "Bullet" with Steve McQueen. Yep, you guessed it . . . a 1969 Dodge Charger was my next car. That was quickly followed by children and a string of family cars. There were compacts, station wagons . . . and an assortment of other extremely boring cars. As we became established in our careers, I was again bitten by the bug, but this time I starting building and rebuilding cars from the ground up. I started with a 1956 Ford F-100 and over the next several years built several street rods including a 1923 T-Bucket Roadster, a 1929 Ford Roadster, 1930 Four Door Sedan and a 'Lil Deuce Coupe. Man do I have some great memories cruisin' around in those cars. I knew every nut and bolt that held them together. During the entire decade of the 90's, I took a break from pretty much anything involving cars and concentrated on other interests. Now some 10 years later with the beginning of new century comes a renewed interest in cars. Although my interest today is more in line with the custom styles of the 1950's customs and leadsleds, I do have fond memories of all these special cars that helped shape my interests and sharpen my skills over the years. Along with my interest in the automobile, I have a keen interest in the era of the late 50's and early 60's. Thanks to a very cool mom, I was introduced to some exciting movers and shakers at a very early age. Actors and performers like James Dean, Natalie Wood, Elvis Presley and Brenda Lee. Since my family owned a movie theatre, a drive-in theatre and a cafe with a jukebox, I was exposed to the classic films and the exciting music of that era. Over the years I have continued to collect items from that era . . . things that occupy a special place in my memories. No matter where I live, I always seem to surround myself with decor from those fun times. In addition to my interests in cars and nostalgia, I also have a keen interested in music. That in itself is interesting because I sing so far off key that the dogs in my neighborhood shudder at the thought. There have been so many singers and groups over the years that I have really liked. In the early years obviously there were the legends that pioneered Rock, but through the years there have been many great singers and groups — Z Z Top, Boys To Men, Chris Isaac, Mandy Barnett, Bonnie Raitt, Aaron Neville, Natalie Cole, Alicia Keys — the list is endless. But for me, there is one singer that stands heads above the rest. That is no small task as she is only 4'9" tall. This young lady was affectionately dubbed Little Miss Dynamite because of her age, explosive and emotionally charged voice and small stature. The singer is Brenda Lee. I think I heard her first recording, Jambalaya, when I was around nine years old. What an exciting voice. Then when I was fourteen my brother me drove 320 to see her in concert. From that day on I was hooked and had the first big crush of my life. Several years ago I had the opportunity to meet Brenda, which remains one of the highlights in my life. She was just as nice in person as I had imagined and over the years I have had the opportunity to work with Brenda in several capacities . . . as her Fan Club President, Graphic Designer, Road Manager and Artist Relations. Today I can honestly call Brenda Lee a friend. For someone who was a fan at fourteen this is certainly a dream come true. I would say that life "ain't" been too bad for a guy from Earth, Texas.