There were always plenty of instruments around growing up in the Carleton house, every thing from kazoos to drum sets. But I didn't get serious with the guitar until I was 16 . My brother Jerry bought me my first (playable) guitar, a black Cort les Paul copy. At 18 I picked up the bass, playing with Jerry on the riverboat doing day-long cruises. This was a real learning experience, 7 days a week playing everything from sing-alongs to hard rock. It seemed there was always someone sitting in, from kids to grandma's. I had to really be on my toes. I learned to watch the guitar player and anticipate the changes.

In the early 90's I went back to the guitar, playing originals in a band called Shrinking Violets, again with Jerry, also Steve Rose and Butch karns. At that time it seemed the only places that had original bands were Ribco and Stickman's.

In the mid 90's, I was playing guitar in a country/rock band called the swinging doors. Also, an occasional gig with the Trusdells, when they would put a full band together for a big show like opening for Merle Haggard at palmer . I didn't play much in the early 2000's. I became more of a guitar collector than a player. I focused my attention on starting a family. Its important to have a solid home foundation. My beautiful wife Missy has had to endure a lot of band wife trials. When Lilly was born, I felt it was important to be there for the first couple of years. But any how its great to be back playing again.

Missy and Lilly come to many of the shows.

I've learned a lot playing with Tom, Jim and Larry. These guys are pros and Gray Wolf is a first class operation, but they know how to keep it fun.

Gray Wolf Rocks!