It was August 13, 1955 at the Officers Club; Ladd AFB in Fairbanks, Alaska...58 years ago today!

* First Tune played...How High The Moon (I think), on a 1952 ES 295-the Scotty Moore (Elvis) guitar (still have it!). Also played Misty live for the first time that night. Remember some Patti Page, Marty Robbins, Rosemary Clooney and Rock Around the Clock.

* Pay....$25.00

* Age: 10...turned 11 in September.

* Total weeks off-still 9 weeks off from 4 nights a week in that time. Last vacation: 1982.

* Total jobs in 58 years. Live-over 17,500. Recordings: over 10,000.

And I'm going to keep it up till I get it right!

Heading for work. Think I'll play a little Les Paul/Mary Ford
tonite to honor the occasion.

At a minimum, I want to reach 60 years, 30,000 total jobs.


Be well, and "keep pickin" all!



Russ