Born in a one-room shack in the East Tennessee hills and grew up very poor. He entered the Army as soon as he turned eighteen and went straight to Vietnam from training. He was in the war during the deadliest time for American troops. He Had experiences that had long-lasting effects, and many times God's protective hand kept him alive while many others died. After returning from the war, he was very rebellious and ended up in prison. after finally being freed, he surrendered his life to God and answered the call to the ministry. The churches he was affiliated with were very legalistic and did not accept him as a man of God. After returning to the world and the country music field, he, with his five-piece band, performed many shows around the country. Not being able to get away from the call of God, his lifestyle became nauseating, and he could not continue living in the world any longer. He left the country music field returned to God and the church, but this time he Saw the true God and was free in Christ.