Frank_James

As a youngster I started singing and playing a toy guitar by ear along with the country songs I heard on the family radio. Later, being left handed, I learned to play a right handed guitar upside down and backwards. About 35 years into my career I turned the strings around for a lefty. With a little determination and some encouragement from Tom Bresch, I learned to play guitar all over again.

My first paying gig was at a local honkytonk where I would occasionally play rhythm guitar for the band. The gig paid $5.00 a night and being underage, free Cokes. I moved to Wisconsin in 1965 where I have played many opening acts, clubs, festivals, benefits etc.

Some of my accomplishments include:

* Featured singer on a weekly radio show on WMAD AM - 1970's

* Writer for TNN's Fandango game show in Nashville, TN 1983-1984

* Writer for WSM radio's "Waking Crew" show hosted then by Charlie Chase 1983-1983

* Q106 FM and AM radio "Pick Hit" in 1989

* Voted "Local Country Artist of the Year" in 1989 and 1990

* Voted "Madison's Favorite Country Band" 1990

* "Certificates of Achievement" received for two songs entered in the Billboard Song contest 1990

* Received "Country & Western Nightclub of the Year" awards three years 1989-1990-1991

* Received Madison's first "Country Music Hall of Fame" award 1994

* Top 10 finalist in USA Network's first "Nashville Star" competition in Orlando, Florida 2002

* Named a "Local Legend" in Madison Magazine's country music category 2003

* Appearances on WYOU tv "Worth Watching" 2004 - 2005

* Appearances on "Nashville On Stage" 2004 - 2005 - 2006

* Received the honor of Warner Brothers requesting demos of my original songs 2005

* I've had the honor of working with many of country music's legends throughout my career: opening act and/or backup band for the following stars: George Hamilton IV * Bobby G. Rice * Red Sovine * Faron Young * Tex Ritter * David Houston * Hank Snow * Jean Shepard * Jack Greene * Ernie Ashworth * Dave Dudley * David Allen Coe * Penny DeHaven * Jeannie Seely

* I sang the "Star Spangled Banner" at the Madison "Mallards" baseball game 2006

* Nominated for Madison's "Country Artist of the Year" 2007

* Nominated for "Madison's Country Song of the year" for my original song "Chasing Memories" 2007

* Nominated for Madison's Country Album of the Year" for my current cd "Chasing Memories" 2007

* Appearances at: numerous festivals, benefits, Wild West Days, nightclubs etc.

* Nashville recording artist - BMI songwriter

* Skilled at singing, playing guitar, bass drums & harmonica

* Many of my original songs are currently receiving airplay on independent radio stations and internet radio programs in the United States and worldwide 2002-2009

* I received a nomination for: Classic Country Band of the Year" October 2008

* Digital Rodeo: I was voted "#1 Traditional Country Male Artist of the Year" 2009

Back up vocals on my songs:
John Wesley Riles and Hoot Hester

The musicians om my cds include some of Nashville's finest:

The late Gordon Terry
Pete Wade
Buddy Emmons
Hargus (Pig) Robbins
Hoot Hester
Scott Sanders
Rob Hajacus
Sonny Garrish
Doug Jernigan
Dave Smith
Gene Chrisman
Rodger Morris
Mike Leech
Hank Sanger

Texas musicians:
Jim Lutz
Karen Hein
John Casner
Tim Campbell