The Maltese Cross

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Behind The Maltese Cross CD

Who Helped Create This Firefighter Music CD

Eddie Murphy
Retired Firefighter, Vocal, Guitar, Songwriter

I am a retired second generation fire lieutenant of the Lawrence, MA fire department, serving the City of Lawrence for 30 years. Born and raised in Lawrence, I followed in my father's footsteps, retired Lieutenant Edward J. Murphy, who served with the Lawrence Fire Department for 34 years as a "48er." I am a Vietnam veteran having served with the United States Navy for 6 years. I was stationed on the World War II Destroyer, “USS James C. Owens” (DD 776), which operated out of Charleston , SC , Pearl Harbor , HI , Vietnam and San Francisco , CA .    

Mick Donner started his professional music career at the age of thirteen, playing and traveling with country, rock, and jazz bands throughout the Midwest. While a member of the Christian rock band "Barnabas", he experienced the studio for the first time, writing, performing, and co-producing their second album. After leaving Barnabas, he embarked on a short career as a studio musician working at Triad Studios in Des Moines, Iowa and doing jingles for Beech Productions of Spicer, MN. Along with Barnabas, Mick has played with the Jay Beech Band, the Hank Laake Band, the Midwest Express, Big Guns (including former member of the Startrooper, the Derek Holmes Band, and the Tim Bogart Band). Freddy Cannon, the Coasters, and the Platters.

Taking on an apprenticeship program with a master guitar builder, Mick became a luthier and has subsequently worked at Washburn, Gibson, and Peavy Guitars. He currently works at Parkers Guitars in Wilmington, MA. He is involved in the music ministry program at St. Michael's Church in North Andover, MA and is a member of the Kahuna Irish Band.

Rick Asmega is the Chief Engineer/Producer and Owner of Reel Adventures, a professional 48 track recording studio and mastering suite in New Hampshire. He has produced a national hit and has done work for PBS, NOVA, the BBC, FRONTLINE, and WCVB. His talent has won two Emmy nominations and an Emmy Award this past year. He is a bass player and guitarist with over 44 years experience and has performed on more than thirty albums in the past decade, working with people such as Ricky Nelson, Bo Diddely, and the great Jazz saxophonist Arthur Prysock. Rick has recently been asked to submit his bio to the International Biographical Centre in Cambridge, England for inclusion in the next International Who's Who In Music.

Each firefighter song has a story behind it, as to why it was written or what inspired it. Learn how to purchase this unique firefighter gift by clicking on this link "Buy Firefighter CD". Please feel free to e-mail me at firefightermusic@hotmail.com with any questions you may have about my music.

This music and CD are dedicated in loving memory of Bob Crosby, who touched our lives with the sweet caress that was “Himself.” Bob was the drummer in our church and in our Irish band, and also a volunteer firefighter. He was many things, but most of all he was our friend and we miss him much!

© 2005 Firefighters Music