Soul singer and nineteen sixties soul sensation Geno Washington has been talking about how he worked as a stage hypnotist and how practising self hypnosis and meditation helps him when performing music gigs with his band.

Born in Indiana, Geno Washington was stationed in England with the United States Air Force during the early 1960s when he started playing music and asked Pete Gage the guitarist if he wanted to join his group, Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band.

But he didn’t start out that way. Speaking to the Bolton News he said:

"I never in a million years ever dreamed or thought about being an entertainer or singer. I was an athlete when I was in the American Air Force, in track and field. It just happened by accident, me being in show business." He is a member of the American guild of hypnotists.

It is interesting to hear him talk about hypnosis and the part it has played in his career. He explained the ways that hypnotherapy has helped to change his life, helping balance mind, body and soul, and provide an interesting side career too.

"That's a great love of mine, how the mind works. That's very powerful. I was in LA when I was studying, getting my degree and I came back to the UK. I started doing hypnosis shows up and down the UK. I would do half hypnosis, have a 20 minute break then I would come on with the Ram Jam Band. The house was rocking. It was a great show. “

When not performing on the stage Geno also know how well taking time out for yourself works.

"I do a lot of meditation. That's got the benefit of self-hypnosis. It keeps you on your toes to keep healthy."