2021 was a helluva year for me. I lost my grandparents after caring for them for years and suddenly had more time on my hands since I was no longer a caregiver, I still miss them a lot. I recorded an album in Nashville over the summer that I plan to release in the spring, my best work to date featuring some incredible musicians playing every style of music I’ve ever dipped into and some new ones.

I played with countless musicians this year and made so much music, thank you to all of them for that. I gained a lot of new friends, lost a few and found a good bar drinking buddy in Earl Snipes. I also became a dedicated YouTuber and released 128 videos and created three new series in addition to The Friday Nite Gamble. I created some new characters as well and was surprised by the hilarity of one of them going a little viral this summer and being mentioned in a news outlet and on Ickedmel. Thanks Chet.

This year I became a homeowner. I spent long overdue time with my son and was fortunate to have him play with me on one of my shows and on FNG. I enjoyed all of my performances, played less, when I wanted and made more money doing it. I bought my dream amp, a 1957 Fender Bassman. I had a blast playing with my Low Down Blues Revue and performing the Blues that inspired me to pick up a guitar.

The smartest thing I did in 2021 was stop chasing gigs and festivals or measuring my success by them or press, radio plays or streams I received. I’ve been there and done that dance for 25 years and I can honestly tell y’all that stuff doesn’t really matter and the elevation that comes from the accolades is short lived. The real musical experiences are what stay with me, not my triumphs or status. Spending time at home with my family and doing all of the creative things that I love to do without caring how what I produced was accepted is what counted for me in 2021 because I had fun doing it and peace of mind. That made for a great year and kept me happy through it, I’m very thankful for everything and don’t take it for granted. Good luck and all the best to you and the ones you love in 2022 . Real life is the tops, can I get a “hotamighty”?