Tony, I knew Tommy Tedesco, Leon Russell, of course, and Glenn Campbell.

I was hanging around Dick Dale's studio. The Beach Boys were a part of this bunch. Tommy was all over the place. Saw Burton, but was too much in awe to introduce myself...watched every lick on "Rick Nelson's "Travelin Man" a hundred times. Really want to get with DonM to beg for an intro.

Glenn Campbell appeared on a show done in Bakersfield by Buck Owens I was on. That was another famous group just now getting a lot of recognition for their contributions to pop music.

My main influences during this time were Herb Ellis, Ray Brown, Steve Allen, Clark Terry, Ella and all the folks associated with the Steve Allen syndicated show.

My mentor was Tony Belsom, brother of Louis, who was married to "Pearlie May". They got me work in LA.

I was living in Victorville (dad was in the Air force), going to school in San Bernadino, Playing during the week in Apple Valley; on the week-ends in LA, with occasional gigs in Bakersfield and Andrews AFB.

Lived there from June 1962 until the summer of 1964. thought women, weed and whiskey would kill me, so I packed up my equipment on an Air Force surplus three-wheeled Harley (still have it)and headed back to Kentucky.

These guys were all giants. I was more associated with the surfer guys on the pop side and the be boppers on the jazz side.

In my case, I was lucky as could be, being in the right place at the right time.

This is going to be one HELL of a movie.

Russ