Woody explains, "Giving thanks and credit to my Mother, my musical training began on the piano at seven years old. By the time I was nine years old, I was doing recitals at the old Philadelphia Civic Center. My Mom was director of the Children's Choir at church so we also started vocal training at an early age. From there, I played clarinet and flute in the marching and concert band, and saxophone in the jazz band.

      "In 1971-73 I played alto sax with The Gil Lewis Trio. In '77 I moved to Philly and played the flute on the streets in center City and South Street. Started a band called The Street Players. Eventually we did every major event in Philadelphia including Super Sunday's Philadelphia Art Museum, all of the local colleges, and a live appearance on WHYY, channel 12. That pure sound brought a lot of people together. It was at this point when my Heart and Soul knew that music is what I need to do all of my life.

     "In 1979 I moved to Doylestown in Bucks County, bringing the Street Players sound with me to places like New Hope clubs, colleges and doing the private party circuit. In '81 I started The Hot Alpha Band, a rock fusion jazz band and I was again playing all over Bucks. And in 1988 I went solo after doing a few freelancing. 

      "My major influences include my Mother, Mrs. Clark (my piano teacher), Mrs. Norwood (my wind instruments and music teacher), all music including various gospel, r&b, jazz and even classical masters. Most notably would have to be Mahalia Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana, Elton John, James Taylor, Hubert Laws, Bobbie Humphrey, Grover Washington Jr. - but so many, many more.

      "I practice every day, written well over 100 songs, co-wrote two commercials, a wedding song, and did a private party for the late famous jazz singer Betty Carter. I am Truly a Lover of Music."