AHUGE THANK YOU goes out to Orren Merton. He is a multi-dimensional, multifaceted, multitalented (and multimedia) guy with a great blend of left- and right-brain thinking. He was a big supporter for this book from day one and has been there with extremely thoughtful answers whenever questions arose.

Thanks also to the staff at Cengage Learning, especially the talented editors Kezia Endsley, Melba Hopper, and Kenn Michael, all masters of their craft.

This book never would have been completed without the strong support of my family, including my wife Lynne, brother Marty, sister-in-law Margie, and nephew, Anthony. Thanks for hanging in there with me!

Along my personal road in the music business, there have been many people who were either role models or mentors or just plain helpful, whether they knew it or not. Included in this group are the multitalented producer Curt Boetcher, the songwriting expert John Braheny, and the very wise Richard Bellis. Thank you for sharing your insights.