I was a professional in the music business for more than 40 years, beginning as a recording artist, songwriter, and touring musician, then as a music producer, publisher and talent development executive. More than 300 of my songs have been recorded by a number of iconic performers, including Heart, Cheap Trick, Beach Boys, Tim McGraw, Vanilla Fudge, and Indigo Girls. Toby Keith's recording of "My List" was a 5-week #1 single and the most-played country song of 2002. I am a Grammy nominee, a BMI Award winner, a Million Play songwriter. I have authored four books and contribute a regular column to American Songwriter Magazine.

I am divorced with three grown children and three grandchildren. After lengthy residencies in Los Angeles and then Nashville, I returned to my home state of Oregon in 2012 to be of assistance to my aging parents (now 90 and 91). I have also lived in Canada, Seattle, Northern and Central California, and Ohio, travelled in Mexico, and worked in England and France.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

On May 1st of this year (2017) I embarked upon a personal pilgrimage. I pledged to walk from Thousand Oaks, CA northward for 90 days. My YouTube video, "Peace Pilgrim 2017" explains. (FYI, my beagle Millie was my faithful, stalwart travel mate for the first 300 miles, but is sitting out the remainder of the walk.)

The purpose of my pilgrimage is to inspire civil, constructive dialogue in this deeply divided nation. As I type this, on day 41, I am in Santa Rosa, CA, and have covered more than 350 miles so far. Along the way, I have encountered amazingly kind and generous humans, reacquainted with long-lost friends, and met people I never would met under any other circumstances.

Finding a place to stay at the end of the day can be a big challenge. So, by joining Couchsurfing, I hope to increase my options for the remainder of my trek -- both for safe shelter and to meet and interact with more wonderful people.

Interests

• writing
• environment
• politics
• music
• film
• environmentalism
• music production
• songwriting
• progressive politics
• self-awareness
• singer songwriter

Music, Movies, and Books

I am a fan of great songwriting, from the great songs of Broadway and the American Song Book, to Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, the Beatles, Stones, singer-songwriters like Cat Stevens, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Peter Gabriel, and Sheryl Crow. I love passionate rock coming from honest self-expression -- Nirvana and Nine Inch Nails, for instance.

I love movies about human interaction and growth, scripts with natural dialogue. David Mamet and Aaron Sorkin are my favorite dialogue writers. To Kill a Mockingbird has long been my favorite film. The Great Santini, Accidental Tourist, even Amy Schumer's recent Train Wreck. I love improvisational films like This is Spinal Tap and all the Christopher Guest ensemble films, Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, and A Mighty Wind. As for TV: The West Wing, Six Feet Under, Dexter, Shameless, pretty much anything Louie CK has something to do with. Most recently, Big Little Lies and The Night Of were spectacular.

As far as books are concerned, I simply like great writing. Pat Conroy was my favorite novelist. Molly Ivans amused me. Keith Richards' memoir My Life was engrossing. And, I also enjoy off the beaten track novels, memoirs, and political commentaries.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I performed at Carnegie Hall, wearing a pair of spangled cut-off jeans over a burgundy body stocking and a silver lame scarf.

Teach, Learn, Share

I have life experiences in all aspects of the music business, songwriting, performing. I also teach Media Literacy to children, helping them discern when advertising is trying to manipulate them and how social networks can negatively affect their self-image.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Stories galore about a long career in music, interacting with amazing and brilliant characters, like Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, Cat Stevens, the Doors, Clive Davis, and many more. And, more importantly, I want to listen to people's concerns. I want to know what other people care most about.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, France, Mexico, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, United States