DH Holley

For me this is a dream come true.   I have wanted to record and produce my own collection of songs for a very long time.   I have so many people to thank that finally got me here.   Without them this work would not be possible.   First and Foremost is the Lord God for helping me get  through the many hours of recording, re-recording, and mastering to get the final album cuts you are now hearing.   Thank You, Jesus for the passion for music.  Next are my two heros in Bluegrass music, the first Earl Scruggs.  Earl Scruggs got me started.  Hearing him wind up on that banjo, I knew I had to learn to play this crazy instrument.   The second is a chance meeting with Bill Monroe.   He took the time to talk to a stupid 19 year old kid and told me to "never give up!"   I never did.   I hope I make you proud Bill.   

For all my music instructors, that encouraged me and demanded my best.   For my banjo instructors, Scott Cockerham and Duncan Kunz.   You lit a fire that I just can't put out.  I hope what you hear helps you realize your sacrifice was not wasted.  For David Licastro my guitar , and electric guitar instructor, thank you for making it fun and for your encouragement to write music.   The Raven is dedicated to you.   For Andy Hall with The Infamous Stringdusters, on the dobro.   Thank you for your patience as I learn this instrument and for always challenging me to reach for the best I can do.   I hope I make you all proud by my attempt at this album.    All my deepest respect and love.

For my co-writers Kerby Porter, and Brent Johnson.   I owe  you so much for your contributions to this album.   It was my profound honor to tell the world your stories.   Please let there be more! 

For my wife, Deborah who endured so much in the process of creating this body of work.   I have been truly blessed with a wonderful, supportive wife.   Her simple support showed me that what I was doing had merit.   In addition, I would like to thank my kids for listening to my songs over and over as I was mastering, and for my grandkids who danced to Poppy's music.   It made my heart overflow with joy.

Thank you Cranberry Bog Bluegrass Band, (CB3) for letting me play music alongside all of you accomplished musicians.   Your talents never cease to amaze me.   Thanks for your help with "Hopscotch."    You helped clear the "fog" on where I was going with this tune.

To Rich Littke, the Sound Engineer at Grace Community Church in Oak Harbor, WA.   Thank You for taking the time to answer all my exhausting questions on recording and mastering and for Lewin Berringer with Garageband & Beyond for your informative videos.   

For Mitch Yockey for giving me the inspiration to even take on this project.   Thanks for your friendship, your musicianship, and encouragement.

Finally, this is dedicated to my parents, who listened to everything from Lena Horne, to Mozart.   You gave me the initial love for music.   I hope when you hear this, it makes you smile in heaven.   I am sure there are more folks to thank and if I did miss you, please know in my heart I'm eternally grateful.

DH Holley