As a boy, Doug's life ambition was to be a veterinarian, but chronic allergies and an intense hatred for cats simply would not allow him to pursue his dream. Forced to finish college by his next door neighbor, Doug then made ends meet as a barback and thong washer at a local adult entertainment establishment. Occasionally, when the club DJ would not show up for work, Doug would be asked to hum songs into the microphone, as no one could operate the cd player. It was on one of these particular nights when he was accidentally overheard by Dick Hodgin, who had wandered into the bar by mistake. Dick mentioned that he was putting together a boy-band and needed a lead vocalist. Anxious to visit and play every town in North and South Carolina, Doug readily agreed and set out on the next chapter of his still young life.  [ Back up yonder ]

Rob Clay was the track and field coach at St.Banadunes girls school in Switzerland when he was discovered by Dick Hodgin (manager supreme) in Raleigh, NC. Clay had submitted his photo to Glamour Shots in Raleigh for some much needed help on his image. Dick got hold of the photo and after a phone call a deal was struck. Dick Hodgin had a vision. He would put together a musical band the likes of which the world had never seen. They would play on stage and move together as one. They would change the face of modern music forever. Because of his track and field background, Rob was well suited to fill the role of "Bass Player". After months of intense dance training, costume design, and hundreds spent on hair gel, Clay and the rest of Dick Hodgin's super group were ready to take on the world.  [ Back up yonder ]

Born into incredible wealth young Gary foolishly spent all his inheritance on video poker and beta tape machines. Now desperate and broke, Gary returned to his one true love...donating plasma. He explains: "living from day to day on fruit juice and cookies from donation centers will take its toll on even the most plasma filled man"! One day, while struggling to find his shoes, Gary met Cravin Melon manager Dick Hodgin. Dick took Gary under his wing and showed him that if he tied the shoelaces, the shoes would stay on! That was all the motivation Gary needed. Gary, "I needed that extra boost, just to know that someone believed in me. Dick, er, uh Mr. Hodgin was just amazing. He let me clean his office and sleep in his alley for free! sometimes when it rained, he would give me a box to sleep in". It was in that box that Gary discovered his talent for drumming. "I was trying to kill the palmetto bugs that were in the box and Mr. Hodgin heard my rhythms and hired me to play drums for Cravin Melon". The rest is musical history!  [ Back up yonder ]

Mr. McIntire played "Bulldog" on his old Les Paul for the 20th time. It was Brevard, NC and I was hooked. That same Christmas I got an electric guitar. Mr. Mac taught me my first few chords, but the guidance of someone other would land me the role of jukebox hero. By the age of 15, I was covering the Eagles and Skynyrd in a band called Seventh Heaven. After winning the middle school battle of the bands, I was asked to audition for a young man putting the most talented musicians of the southeast together. That man was Dick Hodgin. I moved him to tears with my acoustic rendition of Rocky Top and I signed on with M-80 mgmt that very day. I was lucky enough to be part of the legendary producer who brought us the Shaggs back in the late 60's. Since that fateful day, I have learned many things from Mr. Hodgin that I carry throughout my professional music career. You can make a lot of friends at Holiday Inn lounges, matching outfits do make the band, and yeah, maybe the Rolling Stones were just lucky. Sometimes I feel like I owe him a whole lot more than 30%!  [ Back up yonder ]