I am honored that one of my pieces, Royal Purple, was chosen as one of the awards to be handed out during the Governor’s Arts Award Gala at the Biltmore in Phoenix. In an unusual tide Dennis Rowland and Doug Hyde both received an Artist award. Dennis is a well known vocalist, actor, recording artist, and music director, and was the voice of the legendary Count Basie Orchestra from 1984 to 1997.

In 2013 he suffered a stroke and a near-fatal cerebral hemorrhage. Through his unyielding determination he is back on stage and in classrooms where he has generously shared his knowledge over the years.

It was wonderful to meet Dennis. Out of all the honorees, he touched my heart the most.