The following ia a photo and factoid chronology of the events, experiences and influences previous to my professional career. I'll be adding content to this page soon as it is a work in progress.
Arlan with trumpet case in front of Northeast Elementary School, Lauderdale County, MS. (1978)
Fall 1978, officially began playing music (trumpet) at age 10 in the 5th grade in the Northeast Elementary School Band, Lauderdale County, Meridian, MS.
Spring 1983, officially began playing guitar (acoustic) at age 15.
Spring 1983, began writing songs and recording music using a boom-box.
Arlan with 1st electric guitar. (August 8th, 1984)
March 1984, first electric guitar.
Chris Courtney and Arlan. (Summer 1985)
Summer 1985, officially form first (three-piece) band at age 17.
Summer 1985, began playing bass and drums.
Summer 1985, begin multi-track recording going from boom-box to boom-box.
Summer 1985, first official gig.
Summer 1985 - February 1988, played many "formative years" gigs.
Fall 1985, first four-track recording machine.
1986, began playing, writing and recording songs on piano.
February 8th, 1987, audition for the Discovery Television Talent Showcase in Jackson, MS.
Discovery Television Talent Contest taping program. (March 1987)
March 7th, 1987, perform original song at taped Discovery Television Talent Showcase in Jackson, MS at 18.
May - July 1987, move to Tallahassee, FL to play in a band for the Summer.
July 1987, first experience in a professional studio recording original songs.
Certificate of Regognition from the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Meridian, MS for winning 1st place in creative writing contest. (December 19th, 1987)
December 19th, 1987, awarded 1st place by the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority of Meridian, MS in creative writing contest.
Catalog for Musicians Institute, Hollywood, CA. (1987-1988)
February 1988, moved to Los Angeles, CA to attend the Guitar Institute of Technology (GIT) in Hollywood, CA.
The Mundanes. Joe Agerton, Pat Sansone, Arlan. (1988)
June 1988, form three-piece band called The Mundanes to record a demo of original songs while home from Los Angeles.
March 18th, 1989, graduate Musicians Institute (MI) in Hollywood, CA.
March 1989, moved back to Meridian, MS from los Angeles to teach guitar and start a band.
March 28th - June 21st, 1989, taught guitar at Mississippi Music, Meridian, MS.
Peavey Monitor magazine cover. (Summer 1989)
Summer 1989, receive blurb in Peavey Monitor magazine.
June 23rd, 1989, moved to Atlanta at age 21.
June 24th, 1989, began working at Rhythm City, Atlanta, GA.
July 1989, met and befriended Atlanta-born singer, songwriter, guitarist Kris Gloer.
