Gene performed in 1955-56 at civic clubs and dances while in high school and was named performer of the year by the "TV High School Hi Lites" program in 1956. He formed his own band "The Rebels" in 1957, did his first professional TV program "Country Picnic" in 1957 and released his first record (Straight Skirt/School of Rock 'n Roll) in 1958. He made personal appearances throughout the U.S. from 1958 through the 1960s. These included major tours (1961) with Chuck Berry and The Drifters. In the 1970's Gene was a nightclub owner/entertainer in Dallas and then went on to headline tours in England, France, Sweden, Holland and Finland in 1980-81. He was featured as the headliner of the 1981 "1st Scandanavian Rock & Roll Meeting". Also, in 1981 Gene co-headlined the "1st International Rockabilly Festival" in France. That same year he appeared on the National French Television Program "Le Grande Echiqier" with Jacques Dutronic that drew a viewing audience of 20 million. He has appeared with top recording stars throughout the world and charted 12 singles in the U.S. and abroad. His biggest selling single was "Big Blue Diamonds" in 1964 followed by "Goodbye Priscilla" in 1977. -rockabillyhall.com