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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 lengthy 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 all
afternoon at my Grandparent's farm. Occasionally, I would take an old
broom handle (my guitar) and a tin can (microphone) and accompany him or,
during special events, give a solo performance. 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 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 very successful 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 of salvation through Jesus Christ 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. Press
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