Born in Texas, as he sings, raised on the Louisiana side, Gate is Michelle’s mentor in so many ways, so many ways, her guiding star for how to grow old and ever greater playing whatever kind of music you’re of a mood to play. Gate plays country music because he’s from the country -- this country. Raised in a music-playing family, as Michelle was, he learned to play fiddle and guitar from his father; what’s more, he learned how to be a man. At nineteen, he was leading a big band; even more importantly, at 80, he still is. Probably the great American master, and not just of music. Hell, he’ll tell you so himself. So listen. And learn.