Gene Woolfolk, Jr.

Gene Woolfolk, Jr. is a musician, born February 27,1956 at Saint Francis Hospital in Columbus, Georgia. He is a part of the musical Woolfolk family, and a descendant of John Woolfolk, a founding-father of Columbus, specifically the Wynnton district.

Gene Woolfolk in his own words Okay, the above is all that once was about me, but I decided to expound on this. Born into what became known as a musical [1]family in Columbus, GA on February 27, 1956. I often remember hearing my father's sister say that she was dancing to Rock Around the Clock when I was born. My mother was a vocal music teacher in Muscogee County School District and an organist in different churches over the years. First recollection of music on the radio I believe was The Righteous Brothers. I was fascinated with their harmony and their music, which later became known as "blue-eyed soul." One of the first two concerts I vaguely remember, was the Kingston Trio, but I really can't remember if that came before or after seeing a double bill show of Louis Armstrong with the Harlem Globetrotters. Yes, I was one of the many Americans in front of their tv set the night The Beatles played on Ed Sullivan's show. From that moment on, rock music had become an integral part of my soul. But, yet there were many rhythm and blues influences from such people as Sam Cooke, The Animals, Spencer Davis Group, and others. Into the sixties, inspired by The Rolling Stones, The Guess Who, The Who, Steppenwolf, Strawberry Alarm Clock, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Canned Heat, Jefferson Airplane, The Byrds (Crosby), Buffalo Springfield (Stills). The Hollies (Nash) and Young,....also with Buffalo Springfield and later given the title of "Godfather of Grunge." By age 8, my first tries at playing a musical instrument was not forthcoming. I attempted guitar and violin, but never really had much luck with the string instruments. At age eleven, I had the desire to want to play flute and they had a beginner's band in 6th grade. So, this is when I received my first Gemeinhardt flute. Music continued to be an obsession, but my musical reading skills were slow. Then, in junior high band, the band director asked me if I would mind learning how to play tuba. I did make the change but I still didn't lose the desire to play.

1960s-1970s My musical abilities really developed in high school. In the late 60's and early 70's, I attended summer music camps at Musemont (Jekyll Island, Georgia) and the University of Alabama Summer Music Camp (Tuscaloosa, AL), which I attended with my "across the street" neighbor, David Ragsdale (currently with Kansas). In August of 1973, I received Columbus High Band's Best Camper Award for the extra work and training of other band students during Marching Band Camp. At the end of my senior year, I had been nominated to the National Honor Society for my creative writings in English and also received the Arion Music Award (an awardee selected by the band director's of the city). [2] But rock music was changing by the mid 70's. With classical influences, I became enchanted with the sounds of Genesis, with Peter Gabriel on vocals and flute. Yes, King Crimson, Emerson Lake and Palmer, Allman Brothers Band and while Duane was still alive, he performed on an album with Herbie Mann called "Push Push", which was my introduction to Mr. Mann......it was during this time frame that I met Michael Duke. Mike was playing piano in an Ireland's restaurant in Tuscaloosa. I loved how he took the old r&b tunes and redid them. I haven't seen Michael in many years even though I know he went on to play with Huey Lewis.

The music and my taste were changing. By the mid 70's, I had heard Crystal Silence, by Chick Corea and Gary Burton. I loved this album. And then, I found myself playing with an Oscar Peterson album, trying to reproduce his piano solos on flute.

1980s - Present

In 1983, I pawned my flute after getting married and then my wife miscarried. [3] [4]

[5]

In 1984, little Gene [6]was born and my priorities changed. It wasn't until 15 years later, that I bought another flute. In 1998, I "got back on the bicycle". They say when you quit playing and you start back, it's kind of like riding a bicycle; you don't ever forget. In 1999, I accepted a lounge dj/kj position with AMF Peach Bowl, where I reintroduced my flute and vocal performances. Currently, I am playing flute, keys and accordian with Henry Conley, Sandy Madaris, Doug Conley and Deruondo Jenkins in Seaboard Railroad. I am also an advocate for the legalization of marijuana.[7] [8] [9]

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