Born and raised in Chicago and suburbs, I started playing guitar in 1970, my first guitar being a cherry red 1963 SG Jr. These days I mostly play a Takemine acoustic/electric guitar. 

I've been writing songs about as long as I've been playing though few remnants remain of those very early songs. Most of my serious songwriting really began in the mid-to-late 80's/early 90's. I could cite many influences in my writing style and, as for so many other songwriters, chief among them would be The Beatles, of course. My earliest memory of exposure to music, however, was the jazz and soul records I heard my older brother and sisters spinning. 

My feelings about music are nicely summed up in this quote: 

"Oh, God, I love music. The writing, the listening. It's better than we are, you know what I mean? I just love it." - James Garner in 'Mister Buddwing' (1966)

Indeed, when I set out to compose a song or a piece of music I'm always looking to make something better than myself. Sometimes it works out, sometimes not but it's not for the lack of trying. Isn't that what the legacy of life is really all about? 

I hope you find enjoyment in my humble attempts to better myself!

Peace & Love, 
George Watts

Breathe deep, slow, and often. 

Val Hillyard is following