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The former atheist has brought that out in his music, which has a message of hope that changed his life.

"I was an atheist five months ago," he said. "My life didn't have any hope. I turned my attention to God after a divorce caused my pain and I used to party a lot. Now I attend Mount Zion Church in Clarkston. Also, I came from a church that used no instruments to praise."

Waggoner hasn't lost his sense of variety though. From James Taylor to Prince, he said he'll play anything.

But if you hear him at the historic White Horse Inn in Metamora, you'll likely hear folk-type music.

The 35-year-old Clarkston resident has been a staple at the inn, playing there up to twice a month since starting last summer. His next performance will be 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

"I used to work for Tim (the owner), at the Palace when he was running the food there and I just started playing music a lot more a couple years ago," Waggoner said. "That was my first really good gig."

Waggoner's musical career with the acoustic guitar started at the age of 8. Influenced mostly by Elton John, as well as Billy Joel and many 1970s singer and songwriters, he enjoyed these musical styles a lot. Being straight acoustic with now drum track, he enjoys not being in a band relying on other people.

"It's nice to have my own thing going on," he said. "I mix it up. People can expect a good job. I think I'm an above average singer with a unique voice."

It's not just playing the classics either. Waggoner has dabbled into original work as well creating a five-song demo CD in June when he was featured on WCSX 94.7. Although the disc is not in reprint, he continues original works occasionally.

He also plays at Joe Kool's sports bar in Troy every Thursday, and at Canterbury Village in Lake Orion about once a month. He'll play different kinds of music depending on the venue he's at.

"He does a lot of music that is easy listening," said Tim Wilkins, owner of the White Horse Inn, of Waggoner playing there. " You can have dinner with friends, talk, and not get blown away.

"He's got really wide range. He can take the tempo up and can soften it down a little bit."

Current bands Waggoner enjoys include The Fray (top 40), The Mars Volta (heavy metal progressive), and Ray LaMontagne (variety), and Shane and Shane (Christian).

He said he loves playing in Metamora and plans to move near the area due to Clarkston starting to get bigger.

"It's very fitting for acoustic and has a nice and quiet atmosphere," he said.

Music has become more fulfilling to Waggoner since his transformation.

"I'm going to keep what I'm doing right now and I might put something out in a year or so," he said. "I've got more into Christian music. It's kind of going that way a little bit.

"I'm thankful to God for what he has given me."

The Historic White Horse Inn is at 1-E. High St., Metamora. Call (810) 678-2150 for more information.

Jennifer J. Decker is a staff reporter for The County Press. She can be reached at (8100) 994-0811, Ext. 8125 or jennifer.decker@lapeergroup.com.