I grew up in Baton Rouge, LA. While attending LSU I became one of the founding members of the legendary local rock band, the Greek Fountains.
I moved to NYC where I worked as a session musician and singer, a songwriter, an arranger, a music publisher, a record producer and a record company executive.
I moved on to tour with Tom Rush, playing guitar, harmonica, and piano. I then went to L.A. where I signed a recording deal with producer Joe Wissert who took me to Warner Brothers Records.
After releasing a single at Warner Brothers Records I moved on to A&M Records and formed the Luziana Band which was recorded by Jim Hilton. My next label deal was at Elektra Records where I worked with producer Richard Sanford Orshoff, recording two more nationally acclaimed LP’s. I toured extensively promoting my records, opening shows and performing with virtually every popular music act of the time from the mega-hit group America to Frank Zappa.
Recruited by famous publisher/producer Bob Montgomery, I moved to Nashville where I have lived ever since writing top-selling songs for most of the major publishers. My many hit songs include 1’s: “Anyone Who Isn’t Me Tonight” (Grammy Nominated) by Kenny Rogers and Dottie West, “Soon” by Tanya Tucker (Grammy Nominated), “Somewhere Down the Line” by T G Shepherd and country music standard, “The Cowboy Rides Away” by George Strait.
I work as a session player and singer and perform in clubs and concerts for audiences in Europe and throughout the US. A frequent panelist, workshop contributor and songwriters' rights activist, I am a member of ASCAP and NSAI. I mentor the NSAI Regional Workshops in Providence, RI; Atlanta, GA and Pensacola, FL. I am currently a Songwriters Guild of America Board of Councilors member, and serve as elected Vice President of that organization, representing the Southeastern Region.
Casey, Hope to see you soon!! New Craig Bickhardt CD! Pre-Order NOW! .. .. The CD features guest appearances by Beth Nielsen Chapman, Terri Hendrix, Janis Ian, Tim O'Brien, Maura O'Connell, Darrell Scott, Jack Sundrud, Kenny Vaughn, Rusty Young and others.
Hey Casey, Greetings from FL. I really enjoyed the Youtube of Cowboy Rides Away. Thanks for your songs and for the inspiration you give me to be a better songwriter. You Da Man! Best wishes, Jeff
Mr Kelly! Hope you're doing well. I think of you often and what a joy it was to meet you and learn from you back at Characters. :) Good days and memories...
