Born in Houston, Texas, CJ began playing at the age of 5, studying the Flute and Piano in the classic arts then in 1965 while watching the Ed Sullivan Show, he had the revelation of his life – ROCK-N-ROLL. He can’t quite remember if it was the Stones, the Beatles or the Doors that night, but something hit him like the MASTER OF SPARKS and the rest became history.

Discovering he had a love and natural talent for drums, CJ started his first band at age 13, and performed at school dances and parties. As his love of music grew, he took every available music course during his high school and college years.

Early in his music career, CJ played with numerous bands including CL & the Pictures, Joey Long, Triax, and The Joe Denson Group playing venues such as The Catacombs, The Nescadel, Johnny Lee’s, Cedar Lounge, Love Street Light Circus, The Crystal Club and a host of other Houston hot spots.

By 1979, CJ had become instrumental in the formation of and member in The Trolls who went on to become the supporting band for native Houstonian Jimmy Deen for a long-standing period.

Known for their original material, The Trolls played throughout Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and New Mexico at well known venues that included nightclubs such as Cardi’s, The Begue, Texas Opry House, Viggie’s, Rockefellers, MAX’s Kansas City and a too many large festivals to name.

In 1984 when he relocated to Dallas/Fort Worth, his collaborations with the renowned singer and songwriter Mike Tullos inspired the birth of Bear. This band provided Mike and CJ a showcase for their writing talents as Bear performed locally and did extensive studio recording of their songs over the next 7 years.

Since that time many regional, as well as international artists have performed much of the material they wrote and recorded during those years.

In 1991 CJ returned to his hometown of Houston and he began to travel extensively. For the next ten years he spent time in South America, the Caribbean, Africa and Europe where he studied and performed with the local musicians at every opportunity. His focus on writing, recording and the study of foreign ethnic music styles and instruments would broaden his love of music even more.

Rock, Blues, Gospel, Jazz and Ethnic styles have influenced CJ's music and he credits his drumming style to the likes of Tommy Aldridge, Neil Peart, and Matt Abts. His current favorite artists are Gov’t Mule, Van Wilks, Marzi and Texas Road House Rock.

CJ endorses Yamaha drums, Zildjian cymbals and Promark sticks exclusively.

If you haven’t had the good fortune to hear CJ perform you’ll wonder why, once you hear this musician. He’s a natural!