Gene began his musical career on April 1, 1958.   He and his close friend, John Gallant started their first band called the "Crescents".  He also played in other bands over the years such as the "Hallmarks", "Rise", the "Martels" and "Light Horse Harry".  Obviously, his longest stint has been with the "Sensational Epics".  Gene joined the Epics when they first added horns and expanded from a five piece combo to a full nine piece show band in 1964.

At age 63, he is the oldest member of the original nine piece "show band"  and is still going strong.  He jokes that he has worn out five trumpets over the years.

Gene is a 1962 graduate of Eau Claire High School in Columbia and is married to Diane (Lewis) of Greenwood, South Carolina, home of the Swingin' Medallions.  Diane also serves as webmaster for this site and as the band photographer.  They have no children.  Gene is now retired but over the years, he worked either as parts manager or store manager in the fields of automotive parts, heavy equipment parts, or appliance parts.  Gene was also the owner of Leeway Appliance in Lexington, South Carolina.

His hobbies are following the USC Gamecocks sports teams and collecting music.  He has been collecting 45 rpm records since 1954 and has many, many valuable items in his collection.  His prized possession is his vintage juke box that was once on the pier of the Folly Beach Pavilion.  Gene and Diane enjoy quiet times at home and are quite comfortable entertaining friends and grilling steaks on their huge patio that is just made for dancing!!.  Good friends, Good music and Cold Beer is what life is all about", says Gene.