Michael Workman:
CLASS OF 1969
Bedford High SchoolClass of 1969
Bedford, MA
Buena High SchoolClass of 1969
Sierra vista, AZ
Carmichael Junior High SchoolClass of 1965
Sierra vista, AZ
Bruce Shulkey Elementary SchoolClass of 1963
Ft. worth, TX
Village Meadows Elementary SchoolClass of 1963
Sierra vista, AZ
Michael's Story
Life
Writing this has made me stop and reflect on my life. Nobody else asked me to write a biography, but here's a place it might fit (in <= 4000 characters). So, from (almost) the beginning:
Started piano in Ft Worth TX at 5. A friend had taught me a song on her piano - without my folks knowing about it. One day my Mom, Dad & I were in a department store and I went up to a piano and started to play my little song. Mom & Dad were awestruck thinking they had a prodigy for a son. So they started me on lessons.
Had 1st recital at 7, played William Tell Overture. Had stage fright and music got faster and faster til poor William fell off his horse. Stopped, started again and finished. Afterward, was less shy and always liked to play when requested.
Moved to Sierra Vista, AZ continuing piano lessons. Also played and loved baseball. Went to state championships in Little League. I was a so-so student. Summer after 8th grade, quit taking piano, took up guitar. Favorite band was the Beatles. I played in 1st band, Sonics. We won the Talent Show that year. Played dances, the Fort Huachuca Teen Club.
At 15, moved to Bedford, MA. Played keyboards in bands: Music Bachs (10th, 11th grade), Feel (12th). Didn't do well in HS. Fell out of sports. Only interested in music and girls.
After graduation, went on the road with the Field of Zaad, Cameron Company, Sweet Justice, Mourning After. Went to Berklee College of Music. Became competent in a number of styles which would aid music career.
Moved to Staten Island NY with Mourning After in May74, to Miami FL with Crackers in Sep75. Married 1st wife Terry May76. Joined the Gathering of Ft Lauderdale in Aug76.
Sep77, joined Allman Bros guitarist Dickey Betts and Great Southern band. Did album Atlanta's Burning Down, toured states, Europe, played 3000+ seat halls. Exciting time, gave hint of what fame was, but was only a sideman, Dickey the star. Ended Sep78 with Allman Bros reuniting. My exit.
Back in Miami clubs in 79 with New Cameron Band (same Cameron as 7 years before in Mass). Moved w/preg wife to San Antonio, TX (didn't want to bring up kids...Expand for more
in Miami). Was going to Austin, didn't make it. Got in band and stayed put for good reason: First born, Jennifer Ann, Apr80. Christopher Michael born Aug81. Both born in San Antonio.
Was in good bands in SATX during the 80's: Messenger, Snapshot, Blackrose, The Reach, Cones Sisters, Twilite. There were more, but these were better ones.
Divorced in Dec83. Back to school in 84 towards BS in CS in 91. Didn't want to make a living in bars at 50. Worked my way thru school by playing in bands.
Met Margaret in Jul90, married in Aug91. Grad from UTSA in Dec91. Bought our 1st home in Jul95. Jennifer & Chris came to live with us Sep96.
Engineer at MITRE in SATX since Nov95. Gigging on weekend with variety band the Cleartones for 13+ years.
Kids are grown. Jennifer graduated from School of Architecture at UT in Austin and has a job in Dallas. Chris is taking after his dad, playing guitar around town..
Margaret & I are happy. Recently bought 2nd home. Were entrusted with 3-day old baby boy in Apr04, adopted him in Nov04.
Achieved Masters Degree in Dec05. Didn't seem to change much in my professional life.
Became re-dedicated to the music in 06. Have played with numerous recording acts, still waiting for a call to get back into the studio.
In 2007, was music director/keyboard player of the 6 month run of Menopause the Musical (MtM) production in San Antonio. Quite an experience.
In 2008 I started getting into Facebook. Am amazed at how many old friends I have been in touch with from all walks of life. Lots of the musicians Iâve played with. My username is TheWorkingman. Just put the Facebook URL firstâ¦
It is 2012 as I am editing this. I have worked freelance since I have been âre-committedâ to playing. Lots of calls to lots of local S.A. bands. Currently working on duo and trio projects with Bob Charles and Scott Byers.
Life is good, but always changing. Loved the 41st Bedford Class of 69 reunion in 2010. We have to do it again! Looking to meet up with other old friends from other walks as well.
Donât get on here much anymore, but try to update again in the futureâ¦
Register for Free to view all details!
Yearbooks
Reunions
Register for Free to view all events!
Photos