John Hale   I was born 11-28-1938 in Huntsville, Alabama & attended Rison grade school thru the 6th grade.   We lived on top of Monte Sano mountain in the caretakers house of the old Monte Sano Hotel.     The hotel was a health resort for the wealthy people and it served some of the biggest names in America during it's day. Vanderbilt , Astor and many other captains of industry used the hotel. It closed in the late 1800's.   We lived with my Grandpa Hale in the old gas house which controlled the gas flow to the hotel for the gas lights. We had no phone, no indoor plumbing , & no electric. We had oil lamps, water buckets and wood stoves as did most of the people in that area. The old hotel and it's barn were still standing at the time. I used to play on the old carriages and stage coach left in the barn.     We left Alabama in 1951 and moved to St. Louis where my dad worked as a truck mechanic and my mom worker at a shoe factory. I went to Seigel grade school and graduated from McKinley High School in Jan.1958. I set pins at the local bowling alley, worked at the concession stand at the drive in theatre (made popcorn, cooked the hamburgers) and did odd jobs around the neighbor hood while I was in grade school . I worked in men's clothing stores during High School.   After I graduated from McKinley I went to work for a machine shop and engraving company. I worked there for 42 years as a Machinest, Engraver, Shop Forman, Salesman and part owner.     When I was 10 or 12 years old my Dad & Uncles played music on the weekends and family getgethers. They all played Mandolin and Fiddles and played lead or melody and they wanted someone to play rhythm so they handed me an old guitar and showed me a few chords and I've been messing with music ever since.    I listened to the Grand Ole Opry and country music as a kid and I wanted to play like Chet Atkins and Merle Travis but I never could get the hang of it but I still keep trying. I like some of the old rock and roll, old blue grass harmony, Merle Haggard, The browns, The Louvin Brothers and Brad Paisley.     We bought a piece of ground on Bull Shoals lake in 1984 and built a house on the place in 1996. When the house was finished I retired and we moved down to stay in 2000.   Millie and I, enjoy living out on the lake and the country life in a small community.   The view in our area is always changing. We fish and play in the lake and take care of 20 chickens and our big red dog (Big Ben 105 lbs) and play music.     Beside playing at the Bull Shoals Monday Night Jamboree, I play at the Ozark Music Center in Yellville and any place that will let me in.                                                                                                                 ~John

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Big Ben: " If I stare at your plate long enough...I'll get a bite...oh yes I will!"

music by: John Hale