International Guitar Research Archives

Born in St. Louis, Missouri. He began the study of the violin at the age of seven and by the time he was fifteen, he was the conductor of asmall orchestra. At this time he became interested in the guitar through one of the orchestra members and began of his study of this instrument with William O. Bateman, a lawyer in St. Louis. Later he began to give concerts in the local area and received high praise. When his tourextended to other major cities his reputation as the premier American-born guitarist was established.