Having spent my childhood and early teen years in the Clarks Community of Craven County, I consider myself an extremely blessed man.  My life’s journey has been one filled with music, in some form or another.

After proudly serving our country in the United States Navy for four years, I began playing and singing in clubs.  In 1960, I was given the opportunity to play on the Bar 7 Round Up on WITN-TV channel 7 in Washington, NC.  Once this “gig” was up in 1961, I joined the rock group, The Mellowdettes playing with them until 1969. Then I went to the opposite end of the spectrum, playing and singing with The Messengers, as well as the Redeemers, both local gospel groups.

In 1969 a young lady walked into my world and I knew right then that my life would never be the same.  Forty one years later I can truthfully say that Frances Reeves Jarman is still what keeps me young at heart.  Along with our son, Milan, who was born in 1972, I have two step sons, Robert and John Tilghman.

My life took a positive turn when I began attending church with my family.  Again, sharing my love for music by playing bass guitar and running the sound system kept me involved with my church.  Helping young people to learn to play bass guitar and drums was truly a bright spot in my life.

Teaching Milan to play a musical instrument was “etched in stone” the day he was born.  He was “beating” on drums at 3 and at 6 he was playing in gospel groups with me.

Three years ago, a dream became a reality when my bride and I opened the doors to The Jarman Opry, right here at the Masonic Theater.  Today, as you all know, the legacy has been passed to Milan and The Jarman Opry is now Bear City Opry.