PoundCake's Biography!

Where did you get the name, Whiskey Tree from?

LB

Where did you get the name, PoundCake from?

Well, I got the "pound" part from the english abbreviation for a pound of material. Cake, well, it came long just 'cause I'm so sweet. :) Really, I am! :) Either way, I tell 'em "PoundCake...Not too sweet not too light, just right!" ;)

LB, just who are you, really?

PEACE!
LB

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I was born Lawrence Edward Butts, in Winchester, VA, but lived in Martinsburg, WV with my mom, Janet Dove Butts (then), my brother, Scott, and my father B.B. (Is it apparent why I choose to use 'LB' for my stage name?) I found out later on in my life that my name was supposed to be Todd Allen Butts, but that it was changed near the end of mom's term with me. I don't care what you call me, so long as you don't call me late for dinner! ;)

I call Martinsburg my home town! I grew up there as a kid. First in a tiny little house on Martin St., then when I was only a year or so, we moved to 303 South Tennessee. That's easy to say! (Try it!) Lived there 'til my parents divorced in 1979. That was a tough trip. We had a semi-dysfunctional family. My mom and dad just weren't meant to be together at that point in their lives. Very conflicitng personalities. Mom and I moved to a trailer park, and Scott, my brother went out on his own at 17. Dad was in `another world at that time. Eventually, mom and I moved to Winchester, VA, in 1981, and I did my high school years at James Wood High School in Frederick County, VA.

My dad was young and cocky, but he took care of business, mostly. As a young man, with his first (and only biological) born son, he had a temper that could rival that of Hitler. He wasn't always the tyrant, though. Many times, when things were good, he was the most pleasant man to be around. Very personable, and always cuttin' up. Never turned down a challenge, and was very competitive. Basketball was his sport. He was the star in his class at Martinsburg High School. Dad adopted Scott legally, giving him his last name, when he was a very young child. That was a Christmas present surprise for mom. Before he met mom, he earned an appointment to the Air Force Academy with a letter from WV Senator Byrd. Unfortunately, a childhood disease had destroyed his knees, and he was given an honorable medical discharge from the Air Force. This broke his heart. His dream was to be an astronaut and go to the moon. Yes, he thought about it before it actually became reality. That was my father. I was able to take him to meet Buzz Aldrin and get a signed copy of his latest book at the time, when I was in college. It was a highlight of his life. In his latter years, not only did we work through our early troubles, but we became best friends, while remaining father and son. He made sure of that! :) I love him dearly and miss him sorely. Sail on, Dad.

My brother, Scott, is another one-and-only. They not only broke the mold, but they put it in a blast furnace and turned it to ashes! No, really, Scott is one of the most giving and caring people I know. I am proud to call him my brother. Although, he was born of another father, I never think of him as "half". I couldn't ask for a better brother. I thank God for his graces every day! He's taught me a lot. His daughter, Tish, is one of the most well adjusted individuals I've ever met, although she's coming of age, and daddy's gettin' nervous. He's got the shotgun and the piss cup ready to go! :) Scott is one of the nation's finest horse trainers and breeders. He has entered and placed in the Grand Nationals numerous times. Tish, too, has won many awards for her riding and showmanship skills! Scott has always loved horses. When we were kids, he'd make me read a book on the muscles and bones, and give me a test. I had to name the freakin' bones. Scott knew 'em by heart. Couldn't multiply worth a shit, but he could name the common and scientific name for every bone and muscle in a horse's body! Go figure! It's all in what you love!

Finally, there's my mother, Jan Dove. Wow! My biggest fan, my confidant, my friend, my mother, my saviour, my rock. The roles she fills are endless and unconditional. When I had my accident, that sparked all of this Whiskey Tree stuff, she was the one that stood by my side, and tirelessly waited on me hand and foot. Listening to my whining when I was in pain, and comforting me when I was depressed. It was a tough road, but she made it much smoother. God blessed me with her as my mother. Thanks, mom! I can't seem to remember a time I was more proud except when my mom and dad were once again together with me at my graduation from the University of Maryland at College Park in August, 1997. It was one of the highlights of my life!

I actually got a freakin' degree! Imagine that! I had a blast doing it. I took my own sweet time, too, logging more than 150 credit hours over seven years. Only five of those were actually full-time though. :) Finally, got a degree in Physical Sciences, with specialties in Computer Science, Chemistry, and Geology. I loved each of those disciplines, and was a geek at heart, thanks to Michael Miller, a professor at UMCP in the 90's, and now a good friend. It afforded me the opportunity to really test my limits! I really can't believe they actually let me out with a degree, though! :) he he he Well, I went on with things, joined the corporate BS. Still doing it. Everybuddy's gotta make a livin', eh!? So, I'm doing Computer Systems Administration at the USCG Operations System Center (OSC) in Kearneysville, WV. I am fortunate to be working with a load of very talented and compassionate people. The response I received from everyone after my accident was awe inspriing. Our Captain, Capt. Jim Decker, visited me on two occasions at the hospital, leaving me with words of wisdom that helped change my life. Well, to shorten up an already long story, I hooked into the music scene with a bunch of musicians from OSC. That got me kickstarted, and I went through a few iterations of different bands with varying musicians, 'til I finally decided to go it alone for a while. Currently, I'm doing a solo act, with songs, stories, jokes, and just a lot of good fun! I hope you get a chance to come out and see a show some time!

That's me! (and my family!)

LB

P.S. Can't go without saying something 'bout my Grandparents: Ruth S. and Granville Butts (dad): Two wonderful people that were my support and my rock through many a stormy river! Their faith is unparalleled in any I've experienced thus far. I hope some day to contain that kind of strength in faith. God bless them. Sail on Grandad. Zatae P. and Samuel Dove (mom): Never got the chance to know my grandfather. My earliest memories are the ones I hold dear, as he had a rough end to his life, dying when I was only 8. Grandma was the stereotypical grandma, but sweeter. :)