Biography of Buddy West

Buddy West is a Christian singer/songwriter who accompanies himself on the acoustic guitar. His music styles include both sacred and secular songs - Contemporary Christian, traditional sacred music, spirituals, 60's folk, folk-country, soft rock, 50's rock-and-roll, popular music, a little blues, and lots of Christmas music in December.

Buddy was born in Dothan, Alabama, and grew up in Andalusia, Alabama. He graduated from Auburn University in 1972 with a BS in Civil Engineering. He married Charlotte Rainer in 1970, while they were both still students at Auburn. He was a Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force from 1973 to 1976. Buddy and Charlotte have 2 children: Their daughter, Jennifer, is married and lives with her husband and two daughters in Savanah, GA. Their son, Jeff, was recently discharged from the U.S. Navy's Special Warfare Division based in Coronado Island, California. Jeff carried Navy SEALs to (and from) their targets on really fast 36'-long water-jet-powered boats, anywhere in the world. After the Navy, Jeff earned an Associate's Degree in Art from Wake Technical Community College, near Raleigh. He is currently employed as a Nuclear Security Guard at the Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant in New Hill, NC.

Over the years, Buddy has been a member of a number of performing music groups, including: 5 vocal and 4 instrumental ensembles in high school; Alabama All-State Band - 4 years; Auburn University Marching Band; Auburn University Concert Band; Auburn University Concert Choir; Auburn Wesley Foundation Choir; adult church choirs in 9 cities; Eglin Air Force Base's "Just Us Singers"; Greenville, SC Civic Chorale; Raleigh's Capitol Area Community Chorus; Cary Town Band; and Cary First United Methodist Church handbell choir. He is currently a performing member of: Triangle British Brass Band; "Methodaires" Gospel Quartet; "Sonrise" Praise & Worship Band; "Chapel Singers" Contemporary Christian Music ensemble; Chancel Choir of First United Methodist Church, Cary ; and he is leader of the "Wesley Brass" ensemble at FUMC, Cary.

Buddy plays several musical instruments, including the acoustic guitar, baritone horn, the euphonium, the egg-shaker, and the sandpaper blocks. He has run 19 marathons, including the Boston Marathon 5 times.

In 1999, Buddy received the United Methodist Women's Mission Pin, an award for Christian service through his music ministry. Buddy has been a member of Phi Mu Alpha Professional Music Fraternity since 1968.

Buddy has written and/or arranged several songs for special worship services, including "Daniel Don'tcha Go", "Fishin' With the Rabbi", "The Sunday School Teacher", "Simon of Cyrene", "Take a Walk With Me," "Honor Thou," "Lord, I May Not Be a Poet," "You Will Be Surprised," "The Disciple Bible Study Song," "Justified," "Amazing Grace Blues," "Step Out On the Water," and "Jesus, What Do You Want With Me?" Buddy released his first CD in November 2005, titled "Step Out On the Water."

"Buddy offers a great gift of music and singing to any worship service, retreat, or program that he is asked to participate in.
What sets Buddy apart is his servant's heart, humble spirit, and passion to bless others with the love of Christ.
You will also laugh and have fun with Buddy because he believes that holiness and having a good time are not mutually exclusive to God!"

- Rev. Dr. H. William Green, First United Methodist Church, Cary NC

A quote from CD review of "Step Out On the Water" at www.Indie-Music.com, September 2006:

"With so many new artists begging, borrowing, and stealing to become the next American Idol, it's so wonderful to discover a singer/songwriter with that rarity of rarities: a servant's heart."