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I am a 60 year old Black Man, a native and current resident of San Francisco. While in high school, one day, during an English class, I discovered written poetry. I intuitively knew from the beginning, that "I could do this"; I'm talking about the rhyming thing. I later discovered that this was mainly what lyrics were. I liked the challenge, of making words rhyme, while at the same time, telling a story, making a statement, expressing a love message (the latter, is something that I didn't start doing, until in my 50s) etc.
brbrThe music I listened to, and liked, while growing up, were written and sung by individuals and groups that include Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, the Impressions, Jackie Wilson, James Brown, Nancy Wilson and the Whispers. I consider these Entertainers as my Teachers. There was also earlier folks, like the Skyliners, Richard Berry, the Moonglows, Fats Domino and Little Willie John. Although the Intruders weren't among my top favorite groups, one of their songs "I Want To Know Your Name", is one of my favorite sets of lyrics.brbrI am a Lyrist, and Lyrist only. I have had very little training in reading sheet music, and instrument playing, and what little I did receive, I've forgotten.brbrIn the beginning of the 90's I started writing again, and produced 20 (of what I call "sets") of lyrics and had them copyrighted. I joined the International Songwriters Association, sometime in May or June of 2007, which is how I got connected to Artistopia.brbrI have always wanted - probably more than anything - to hear music and a voice, added to something I've written.
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