I have always wanted to perform and write music. At one stage of my early life things were looking upward; when I was young and traveling with a group called The Decks. They were based in Gulfport, Mississippi. This group was in the making of one of the best ensembles at that time. Carl Gates the leader played the tenor sax, Charles McGhee trumpet, Clyde Needum guitar, Johnny Spriggs drums, Walter Howard bass, Tommy Tate vocalist, Evans Little keyboard, and of course myself Winky on alto sax. Things were short lived for me in 1966 when I was caught up in the Vietnam War, and drafted into the United States Marines Corps. I found myself in Vietnam from February of 1967 to March of 1968-by the time I was discharged in September 1972, I was so disoriented that not even music was important to me. It has taken me nearly a lifetime to do what I’m doing now-making and creating music. My saxophone playing has gotten even better at the ripe old age of 68. Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, I still consider it a blessing to finally play, sing, write songs which is what I always wanted to do Rehabilitation into music for me has been a tough journey-I think the music on the CD explains it better than I can. I call this CD “On Top of the Boardwalk.” It has been a struggle for me to get on top of the boardwalk of life. I have always tried to bring other Vietnam Veterans with me, and I know it is still a struggle for many Vietnam Veterans today. More than half of the music on this record reflects conversation between many Vietnam Veterans and their loved ones. I hope this CD does something for you, if only to make you aware of the pain and suffering around you. If it does not do this fro you, then I hope you enjoy the music anyway. Winky Thompson & The Backyard Kids