Eugene grew up in North Carolina where as a young boy he sang gospel music in the church choir.  Having a strong musical ear, he soon learned to play piano, read music, and joined the school band playing cornet.  He continued playing cornet through his college years.  At 13, he joined a local band as lead singer.  The band had no bass player, so Eugene took on the role learning the hits of the 50's, 60's, and Motown.  In college he joined a Dixie Jazz ensemble which further broadened his bass
playing style.  Eugene moved to Virginia after college and helped form a high energy, "new wave" band called  Deprogrammers.  A demo of their original songs was sent to the owner of CBGBs where they were subsequently booked.  After moving to NYC, the band had some success playing clubs and recording albums before eventually disbanding.  After moving to Long Island in 1997, Eugene met and played with many musicians before finding a home with Tribe.