Our Dad A strong but gentle man, a loving and dedicated family man, The Songwriter, The Entertainer. The Bio of Paul Alan Coons, Written with love by his daughters. Dad was born in Gloversville New York and spent his youth in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. It was the type of quiet country towns where everyone knew everyone. The kind were families gathered on the weekends at the local square-dance hall to unwind after a long week and enjoy some good down home country music. This is where dad’s love of music began. The son of an entertainer, he became acquainted with country music very early in life. At age 9, he stepped onto his first stage singing and entertaining the crowd as he proudly stood along side his father, the drummer for the Old Irish Mountaineers and the Bob-n-Nina Trio. It wasn’t long before he picked up a set of drum sticks and began beating on a base drum. Seeing their son’s love of country music, grandpa and grandma encouraged him and by high school Dad was singing as a base/baritone in the choir, playing drums in his High School Marching Band. His senior year, he was selected as a vocalist for the New York State - All State Choir and performed in New York City. Music however was not his only calling, for dad was not only the son of a band leader; he was the son of a veteran and he loved his country enough to join the Air Force at the age of 20 and served his country proudly for 21 years. Marrying out of high school and having two daughters along the way, the Air Force moved us around every couple of years allowing dad to perform all across the United States as well as overseas. In Alaska he joined the “Northern Lights” entertaining the crowds with his deep soothing voice at NCO halls and family venues. In Montana, he started his own band, “The Countrymen” and quickly became a house favorite at the Sun Canyon Lodge, a large dude ranch just outside of Augusta where we enjoyed spending many a weekend. The summer of 74 we found a little piece of land in the mountains of Montana, had a cabin built and dad began to write music; his love of family, the land and his country pouring out of him in heartfelt words on sheet music. In 77 he came to Nashville and recorded his first single on Caprice records, entitled “The Same Ol’ Road” with the flip side, “I want you all the time”. It played at radio stations across the country, but didn’t have the recognition or promotion it needed to go any further. Dad didn’t get discouraged though, and as all dedicated and inspiring entertainers dream of doing, dad actually did; he moved his family to Nashville spring of 1985 after he retired from the Air Force. Keeping our beloved cabin in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Montana, dad continues to revisit it every summer writing his own music which gained initial recognition the fall of 89 when he cut his first track with Star Gem Records. Both songs, “Just a Phone Call” and “She Can See Right Through My Mind”, reached #18 on the National Independent Record charts. It wasn’t long before he was performing in many of Nashville’s Top Clubs, singing with and along side entertainers like Steve Warner, Clinton Gregory and Stella Parton. He recorded on several of Nashville Showcase CD’s with Westwood International Records, and lent his talents too many radio jingles. Through the years, he put his music career on hold giving unselfishly to his family and country, now it was full speed ahead. His first-class first-rate album, “My One True Love”, was picked up by Universal Sound Records in 1999 and generated several awards. Dad wrote or co-wrote, 5 of the 11 cuts on that album. At the BEST OF TEXAS 2000, CMA voted “My One True Love” Album of The Year, which had only proven to everyone, what the rest of us already knew that his ability to write genuinely heart-felt songs wasn’t a stroke of luck. Dad released his second CD titled, “Everything She Touches Turns to Love”, in Nov 2001 again with Universal Sound Records. With this CD he wrote 4 out of the 11 tracks, which again attained national recognition. His list of accomplishments and awards since he first stepped on that stage at age 9, shows why he is such a popular and sought after singer. He was awarded the INTERNATIONAL MALE RISING STAR IN 1999, a KING EAGLE AWARD, by Air Play International, “Male Singer of the Year” in 2000, by the Independent Country Music Association of Germany, and his song “Not a Brick Out of Place”, was awarded “Male Song of the Year 2001”, again by the Independent Country Music Association of Germany. VBNQ Worldwide Radio name Dad, “Country Music Artist of the Year” in 2001. His overseas touring has included various venues in Denmark in 2000. Denmark, Norway and Sweden in 2002. Though I believe his proudest moment came when he was the first Country Music Artist ever to step on stage and play at the Famous Dalhalla Stage in Sweden. June and July of 2002, he toured and performed at the LIDA Country Festival, the DUVED COUNTRY FESTIVAL, and LANE LODGE in Sweden, wrapping it up at the Copenhagen Country Music Festival in Denmark. When Dad performed, his deep rich voice combined with great songs made for a very unique combination that thrilled crowds everywhere; all of his shows at the numerous European venues were sold out. Once a year Dad and Mom (Liz) go back to their cabin in Montana where they enjoy many of their favorite past times; Mom with her crafts, and Dad with his writing, and both just enjoying the vast great outdoors. Update: This year is another milestone. With his newest CD release, summer of 2007, Dad has company. His youngest daughter Cristine co-wrote the title song “The Ride of Life” as well as “Thank You Daddy” with him, which are on this CD and are as well gaining notability. His oldest daughter Tammy Lynn released her first song, “Tell Me Again”, which dad made room for on his CD, (Thanks Dad!) and is as well gaining notability. We would like to extend a Special Thank You to TJ Christian CEO of Universal Sound Records and Owner/Publisher of Great Song Painter Publishing for your continued support and belief in Paul. As well, the following States and Country’s for there continuous outpouring of support and request for Paul’s music, and for the repeat airtime it receives. Belgium, Canada, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Japan, Holland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the following cities in Australia: Melbourne, Southwest Wales, Sydney and Victoria. In the United States: Arizona, California, Florida, Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Caroline, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Montana. To all of our family and friends, Thank You and God Bless, and to all the radio stations, and Armed Forces Radio worldwide that are now playing and promoting Dad’s newest CD release “The Ride of Life”, Thank You, you are making a dream come true. Testimonial… “He has an appreciation of music that is rare and his songs are from the heart. After visiting Paul and seeing him perform, we saw a superb entertainer with an intense love of country music; we’re sure the best is yet to come. If your lucky enough to have Paul come to your area, catch his show and you’ll understand why we consider him an extraordinary entertainer. You’ll leave with a very warm satisfied feeling that you’ve just been well entertained.” Erling Jensen, Country Tour/Concert Organizer, Skive Denmark. ~A Special Note from Paul: A Heartfelt Thank You to all our Veterans and Active Military Personnel who serve our country proudly, honorably and with the greatest of sacrifice – I’ve been there and I understand, God Bless You All