About me: Part of my New Year's resolution was to get my MYSPACE in a little better shape! LOL So, here is a little about me.
Been in the music biz since I was Eleven (back in the good old days when kids could work in clubs!). Have had several interesting chapters in my life. I'll try to break them down.
1)Spent my first few years professionally in Houston, Texas which became my musical home. Played at Gilleys club in the early days, played with many of the guys associated with that "Urban Cowboy" era, which included Kelly Schoppa, Johnny Lee, Mickey Gilley, Joe Cruz, Carroll Gilley and many more. Also spent a little time in Victoria, Texas and Rowsell, N.M.
2) Moved to Mt. Home, Arkansas in the mid 80's to work in the music theater business. Had a show in town called "Doug Driesel's Twin Lakes Opry". Got an opportunity in early 1987 to join Denny Hilton in Lake of the Ozarks and took the position of singer/bassist.
3) After Denny closed his doors, I spent a brief time with David Alan Coe, a maniac who to this day is the craziest a@@hole I have ever met. After four months, I landed a dream Job with Mickey Gilley, who at that time was still selling out arenas and playing Vegas and Reno alot. Toured during this time with Gilley with a bunch of acts including Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Sammy Davis Jr.,Janie Fricke, Kathy Mattea, and many many more.
4) Work with Gilley from 88 to 91, and during this time sold a television project to Vision Broadcasting that I had developed. It was called "America's Country Magazine" which I hosted along with Vickie Brower for the better part of two seasons. Show guests included Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Clint Black, Eddy Rabbitt, and many many more.
5) I call this period "the dark years" LOL. SHow folded, I had left Gilley, Wife filed for divorce, and left with almsot nothing to show for all my work. Spent the next two years on the road with Mark Nesler (Nashville songwriter) as Bass guitar player and road manager. Left Mark to form Deforest and West, a rowdy road band with my buddy Richard Ebert. Offically began at this point to work as Doug Deforest, as the names "Driesel and Ebert" sounded like movie critics! LOL Worked this group for around Two Years, becoming the most insane and best drawing group on the Rocky Mountain circut. Played Denver, Phoenix, Albuquerque, Amarillo, Calgary, and Edmonton on a regular basis.
6) Met my wife of thirteen years, Amy and left Houston, Texas for Houston, Missouri. I went into the writing and publishing business opening Major Key Music on music row in Nashville. Had a good time doing this, but decided the publishing business was definitely not my cup of tea. Continued to write though, with some of the top writers of the time. Also started working with a bunch of rag tag fellas in Drasco, Arkansas, who eventually became known as "The Cuttin Crew!"
7) Ended up in Cherokee Village, Arkansas where I am today. I have worked with the Cuttin Crew for the last ten years, recording hundreds of CD's and producing many records. I have been lucky enough to produce such acts as Doug Spartz, Todd Fritsch, Megan Munroe, Eddy Raven, Johnathan Edwards, Bobby Vee, and many many more. Opened Lake Paradise Studios in Cherokee Village, and became involved in North Arkansas music in a big way. Continue to develop new talent like Jackson Cozort, The Ryan Tyler Band, Liz Talley, Always April, Ryan Curon and many many more.
Who I'd like to meet: Probably already met them! LOL
NEW UPCOMING COUNTRY ARTIST "TODD BERRY" If you haven’t added this guy yet, you will want to once you hear him sing!! TODD BERRY is one to follow as he climbs to success… No doubt, he will make it! Being born legally blind did not slow him down. Click on his banner or link below to add and please take time to listen to his songs. Be sure to leave a comment so he can thank you for stopping by… “BETTER DAY’S TO CRY” CD TO BE RELEASED IN EARLY 2010 PRODUCED BY SPOTLIGHT RECORDS www.myspace.com/berryboy2007
If you haven’t added this guy yet, you will want to once you hear him sing!! TODD BERRY is one to follow as he climbs to success… No doubt, he will make it! Being born legally blind did not slow him down.
Click on his banner or link below to add and please take time to listen to his songs. Be sure to leave a comment so he can thank you for stopping by…
“BETTER DAY’S TO CRY” CD TO BE RELEASED IN EARLY 2010 PRODUCED BY SPOTLIGHT RECORDS
The Rose and Ben Band would like to thank you so very much for your friendship and support. And appreciate you accepting our invitation, VOICE IT IN MUSIC.
Stopping by to wish you a fantastic week!!! Hope all is going great with you!!! Check out my newest single Whipping Post on Texas radio NOW!!! I also hope to see you out at Armadillo Palace Wednesday November 11th @ 12:00pm for my interview and acoustic performance with 740 KTRH's Michael Berry (Texas Music Show) See you there!!! Love, ~Susan Hickman www.susanhickman.com www.reverbnation.com/susanhickman www.twitter.com/susanhickman
lol I was referring to you telling us there was a rattle snake farm down the road and about the reused tombstones and all..... REMEMBER??? Hope things are good your way...
Please come by and listen to the new "Angel Kisses" by "Delores Hershey" I would love to know what you think of it! Compilation CD released soon to radio stations throughout the US and Canada. Call you local Radio Stations to request "Angel Kisses" by "Delores Hershey" now!!!
Wishing you a wonderful day... thank you & God Bless :)
Hello Doug!!! I was just dropping in to say hello, and I hope you and Amy are doing well. Graham and I have been foster parenting some babies all year, and have had a pretty fun time. Tonya Lowman and I were laughing last night, talking about all the things you had us confused about in the studio when she was here. We didn't know if you were serious, unstable, or if what you were saying could possibly be true.... FUNNY Anyways, Have a great day! Connie Leigh
Congratulations Susan Hickman and Bayou Roux on Grammy nominations!
I'm proud to be Susan's producer and very proud we have SIX first round Grammy nominations! Not bad for an old hillbilly that doesn't know what he's doing.........huh? LOLOL
Also, congrats to Bayou Roux. Proud to have played on your Grammy nominated CD! Way to go all!
Hi=;~} How r u?...I got two new songs up..{going to be sang by a
teenage girl for her album.....} but I would love your opinion!..will
sound much better when the musicians get it in the studio I swear
lol...have a great day ,keep in touch ttys,luv,Sonja=;~}
How are things? Just thought I'd stop in and say hi, it's been a while. I am sorting through some original music for my new album that will be out in a few months so If you know any writers that have a little different style let me know. I am not looking for the same old production line music, just good music. I have uploaded a couple of new live recordings so that writers and publishers can hear my voice and hopefully visualize what kind of songs might match my style.
Hey Doug! I've got my songs ready. Just waitin for Jon to book our session. I"m super excited! I can't wait to work with all u guys again. It's gonna be a blast! I've got some songs you haven't heard yet that I wrote. You're gonna be surprised. They're really good! Hope to see u soon :)
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