Mike Brown - Born to Rev. Robert Brown and Billie Brown in 1958 in Rapid City, SD, I have always been surrounded by church music -- so it almost came natural to pick up an instrument and start playing. I started playing drums when I was 8 years of age, after a very painful bout with the piano, when my piano instructor informed my parents that if my heart was set on playing another instrument, I should be allowed to follow the beat of that drum. That Christmas, I had a blue sparkle snare drum under the tree. The next Sunday I was on the church's stage, and now I can hardly remember NOT playing. Having no formal training, I continued to progress by practical experience, mostly by watching other players and incorporating their licks into my yet-to-be-created style.

After high school I decided to pursue employment rather than college, and I was blessed to be able to start working for Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. in Oklahoma City. I met my wife, Julie, and my drums quickly became my second love! I'm thankful that she was able to see how much music meant to me and allowed me to continue to pursue music as a pass-time -- so I continued to play in our local church and with several local gospel groups. I now am thankful that I never pursued secular music because my heart was set on staying in the music from my roots, especially since I feel that my talent was/is God-given and I did not want to use my talents for any other reason.

The years have brought many additions to my life. In 1982 my daughter Hollie was born, followed by my oldest son, Blake, in 1984 and my youngest son, Spencer, in 1987. Oh, I failed to mention the purchase of the Tama Superstar 6-piece drum kit in 1983. Just like when a young couple decides to have children, this meant spending a big chunk of money -- but it was a good investment; these are the drums that I am still playing today. My drums have five-ply maple shells, extended toms and are surrounded by A. Zildjan cymbals, most of which were bought in 1976 with my first kit. I need to thank my family for putting up with the "noise" of me becoming the drummer that I am today; they have been supportive and understanding of my time away to practice and perform, and I thank them for allowing me the time to pursue this part of my life.

Another change in life sent our family to Mustang Assembly of God church, where I met Ron Jay. After several years of playing there while Ron ran the sound board, he asked if I would be interested in playing for The Gentry, a group of four guys that was getting back together after being apart for several years. I'm thankful that God allowed me to run into Ron, Jim, Terry, James and my partner in the band, Todd, who happens to be my cousin. Since being a part of The Gentry from the time they re-formed in 2002, we've each shared a portion of our lives together, and it has enriched my life to have been around men of this quality.

As long as God gives us the opportunity so share the gospel in song, my prayer is that we become "instruments" that God plays to His glory and to whomever He desires for us to minister to.

For His glory,
Mike Brown     (Psalms 150)