20 Mar 1955 (exactly 12.5 yrs. old).
12.5 to 14, I practiced
14 to 15 played at the Gardina del Mare (sea garden), in the corner of Luna Park, Naples Italy. (Tips)
16 to 17 played at the Austerlitz train station, Paris Fr. (Paid)
17.25 turned professional N.Y., N.Y., local 802 (mother signed)
17.75 left home, became a hobo, quit playing at 18.
In the 30 intervening years would pop up now and then and appear somewhere. Was blessed to have sat in with local and visiting out of town musicians in the Pittsburgh area. But never again pursued professional status.
48 met Herb Eck (1991), went to Steel Valley harmonica club, then to spah. Started playing again.
50 (Christmas 93), son was killed, quit playing
55 (1998) started playing again...IN Florida, had been active since.
69 (Sept 2011)...retired.