Lee's Bio

Ever since I can remember I have really enjoyed music – listening, playing, and collecting.  No, I mean I really enjoyed music, which has always touched me deep inside and kept me fascinated.  My earliest memories of collecting were that of using my Dad’s reel-to-reel tape deck to catch songs on the radio like Simon & Garfunkle’s “Mrs. Robinson” or Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” or “Snoopy and the Red Baron” by The Royal Guardsmen.

I started fooling around on the piano at an early age and was classically trained from fourth grade through my junior year at UTK, but I have always loved jazz piano and the rock/pop sounds from the 60’s and 70’s (and some later).  It wasn’t until I recently picked up a CD of Vince Guaraldi’s “A Boy Named Charlie Brown” that I recalled a favorite memory of my Dad’s attempts to record this famous Peanuts soundtrack from the TV specials. I remember the thrill I felt as youngster any time I could hear it.  The difference this time was that I realized I have regarded Vince Guaraldi as the epitome of jazz pianists, one whom I most wanted to emulate, without really identifying that all these years.  More to the point, I immediately realized how I’ve fallen short of that ideal. 

I was raised in an environment where Christ was clearly set forth as the prime example by which to live.  I always saw this example reflected in my parents and in those whom my parents admired and respected.  One such person was Billy Graham, and in 1970 in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville he helped me to see myself as a sinner who needed the forgiveness made available through Christ’s sacrifice, the hope of eternity with Christ in the life hereafter, and the help of the Holy Spirit to become more like Christ in this life.  I have always been aware of the spiritual and emotional aspects of music and have drawn parallels between my music and my walk with Christ regarding depth, effectiveness, and maturity.

Although similar to having fallen short of Guaraldi as a pianist, my shortcomings as a Christian are vastly greater.  I have always known that Christ is the standard for my life.  But Christ is more than an example of a good man.  He is the Son of God born into human flesh and sacrificed as eternal payment to cover my sins and those of anyone who accepts Him.  So, when I play the piano I don’t expect anyone will hear Guaraldi. But when God looks at me He only sees Christ.

Lee