This is the man that brings it all together!

Paul grew up in a family that loved music and laughter. He played harmonica and the spoons as a youngster and at age 11 he took up the clarinet for a short time. Not satisfied with the clarinet he took up the Hawaiian steel guitar.

From age 14 to 17 he had his own band called "The Parisians". The group consisted of an accordian, an electric guitar, a drummer, and Paul's Steel guitar. They were pretty succesful playing teenage dances and the occasional Wedding.

After highschool, Paul volunteered for the armed services and entered the U.S. Navy. While serving his country in the Navy he married his highschool sweetheart, Doris. They have been married for 50 years, and have 5 children, 17 grand children, and 2 great grand children. They lived in Connecticut where Paul had his own meat and grocery business. He ran this for 25 years and then became a realestate broker and investor.

During these years he didn't have much time for his music and he put it on the back burner untill he was in his 50's. He then started playing the electric guitar and after retiring to Venice, Fl , he visited the Gulf Coast Banjo Society. Paul then went out and bought himself a banjo! Since 1994 he has either been an officer or the musical director for the Banjo Society and feels that being a part of the Gulf Coast Banjo Society is one of his greatest pleasures.

Not enough can be said for all the work Paul has done for the society. Every week Paul somehow gets 40-50 banjo players to start together, stop together, and play the same song together. And temper the ruckus so many players can make, into the smooth melodic sounds the society is so well know for. We will never be able to thank him for his unselfish, unending, dedication to the Gulf Coast Banjo Society. He is truly our most important asset.

Next month we will feature Mr. Jack Canine founder of the Banjo Hall of Fame.