A native of Nacogdoches, TX, I grew up in a family that loved music. When I was about 15 years old, we formed a country music band, The Rolling River Band. For the next 18 years, we sang and played together. In 1994, I moved to Tennessee in pursuit of the country music dream: Nashville stardom. I signed with 21st Century Records in 1994, & recorded & released nationwide a couple of original songs. In 1996, I was nominated New Male Vocalist of the Year by The Academy of Independent Artists. Having received “Nashville” recognition, 4 major record labels offered to negotiate contracts. I thought I had gotten myself in the position I had always dreamt about. But God had bigger plans.

As I sat in those meetings, I watched broken-heartedly as God closed each door. My dreams of making it big were shattered. In one night, God completely took away all my desire to sing, write, or play an instrument. He showed me who needed to be in control of my life – Him alone! For the next 2 years, I did nothing but study His word and serve Him. In my brokenness, He drew me closer to Him. Proving myself faithful to what His plans were to be for me, He began to open my heart to music once again, this time to serve only Him!

Now back home in the Nacogdoches area, God has given me a new dream: to see others come to Christ by using my talents as a singer & songwriter to open hearts. God has opened new doors of opportunity far beyond anything I could ever have thought possible. In Spring, 2003, I recorded my 1st Christian Country album, Simply Amazing. In May 2004 my first single from that album, He’ll Pick Up the Pieces, reached 45 on the PowerSource Christian Country charts. In Spring 2004, God gave me another opportunity to record a new album project. Come Into My House was released in July 2004. Two singles were released from this project. Brand New Piece of Clay was released in August 2004 and reached #4 on the PowerSource Christian Country charts in the spring of 2005. It remained in the top 100 for 6 months. My newest release, Don’t Throw the Blood Away, was released in January 2005 and is expected to chart well also. In April 2005 I will return to the studio to record a third album project.

I thank God He took me out of the country music field and turned my life around. The rewards of serving my Lord and Savior far outweigh any rewards I could have gained on my own. I pray this letter is received as an encouragement to serve our Lord whole-heartedly with the talents He has given you. May God continue to strengthen each of us as we do His kingdom work.

In Christ,
Dwayne