Born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1961, Brian’s early life in the country offered great fun with his twin brother Jeff and sister Michelle. They built forts by the creek, played baseball, hockey and kick the can, and flew model airplanes.
Everything changed as Brian’s father was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. His dad would not stay in the hospital or get the help he needed. Brian’s mother divorced her husband in 1974 and moved the family to Naples, Florida, close to her brother. Suddenly, the uncle, who had months before taken Brian under his wing, died in a work-related accident. Then, just before Christmas, close upon the heels of his uncle’s death, his father committed suicide. Crushing shame and embarrassment overpowered Brian; for years when asked about his father’s death, he recounts the story of a heart attack. A life of secrecy and lies was building anguish in a young man’s heart.
During his high school years, Brian began to drink, and his alcohol use became another shameful secret to keep. At about this time his mother encouraged him to join the school choir and Brian realized his love of music. The choir leader, recognizing Brian’s talent, encouraged him to develop his gifts. He was honored to be chosen for the All-Florida High School Choir as a tenor. These were hard years, however. By day, he wore the veneer of a hard-working, talented student, but by night off came the mask of respectability and intoxication ruled. Finally, at 17 he accepted the gift of salvation but kept drinking.
