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Childhood
Dreams
Born in Cambridge, Ohio to Tom,
and Norma Goffee and raised in the nearby rural community of Byesville, my
early years were an amalgam of normal childhood joys, activities, dreams
and concerns interspersed with periods of solitude and silent
contemplation. The eldest of three children, perhaps the greatest
pleasures were found in the frequent visits to the farm of my
Grandparents. Music was always present in our home. Two cousins played
guitar while my aunt played piano and sang in the church. In addition, an
uncle formed a band and, when in town, would play his guitar and sing at
my Grandparent's farm. Occasionally, I would take an old broom handle (my
guitar) and a tin can (microphone) and accompany him. Music became my
life's goal and filled the majority of each day. I began to listen and
practice every conceivable style and format with an intensity and fervency
found only in youth, becoming fairly proficient at an early age. In 1979,
I was residing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida pursuing a career in country
music. As lead singer of a working country band, it would seem that
I would achieve the desires of my heart and reach those goals which had
been established so many years ago. What some would call an epiphany would
however change the direction of my career and my dreams forever. I spent a
great deal of time reading and studying the Bible and it had a profound
effect on my life. I left the band and devoted the next 18 years of my
life to sharing God’s good news singing Gospel music in churches,
nursing homes, auditoriums, theatres, campgrounds, etc. I logged hundreds
of thousands of miles over the years and met many pastors, singers,
songwriters, musicians and laypersons that I still count among my friends
today. Together we saw lives changed and hearts and bodies healed. I still
have many opportunities each year to share the message of hope, peace and
love through my Gospel music concerts and albums. Eventually, I came full
circle and began to mix some country music shows in with the gospel
concerts. Most recently we have put together a tribute show to one of my
musical heroes and influences, Johnny Cash.
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