I have had the pleasure of being on stage with some excellent talent over the years.
King Burton on bass(the best friend I have in the music business), Rodney Pyeatt who has played guitar for everyone from Selena to Stoney LaRue, Jake Pyeatt on guitar (watch out Dad, he is smokin), Mitchell Pyeatt on drums, Jeremy Yager who is steady as a rock on drums and now plays bass as well, Big John Mills who is another amazing guitar player, Brian Thomas on steel, Kenny King on bass, Joe DeLeon on drums and Allen Huff who were with Doug Supernaw and The Possum Eatin Cowboys and now play for Todd Fritsch and Roger Creager (great guys to be on the road with), Robert Hilton who is an awsome bassist and also a great friend, Jack McVey on drums (one of the most knowledgable musicians I know and a wonderful friend), Reese Lyles on guitar (very smooth blues and country, all around great player), Derek Rigdon on guitar (THE MOST knowledgable person I know, hands down. Great friend), Wes Hardin on harmonica (love the style he brings to stage) and the list goes on..............I have been fortunate!
Influences
Frankie Valley and the Four Seasons, All three Hanks (Sr., Jr. and III), Elvis, Willie and Waylon, Blues music in general (Chicago blues, the Delta Blues) and many, many more.
Rex Robards has often been described by his fans as “The guy with a Nashville voice, but a Texas attitude”. He refuses to “fit the mold” of todays typical country artist, although by his own admission, it would probably make
his music career much easier. He continues to be a little bit country, a little bit bluesy and a little bit rock and roll which has proven to be a great combination and a welcome change to the ever growing country music scene.
Rex grew up on a small ranch in Central Texas where his family raised cattle and trained horses so it was a natural progression for him to try his hand at rodeo. But little did anyone know that riding bulls combined with spending five years in the U.S. Navy would transform his life into one of the best singer/songwriters the Lone Star State has reared.
Robards has always had a knack for engaging a live audience with his “everyman” perspective on life and his likable nature. He has opened shows for artists such as Billy Joe Shaver, Gary P. Nunn, Dale Watson,The Randy Rogers Band, Charlie Robison, Jason Boland and the Stragglers, Aaron Watson, Roger Creager, Cooder Graw, 1100 Springs, Deryl Dodd, Wade Bowen, Brandon Rhyder and many more.
His last CD titled "Why A Cowboy Sings The Blues" was released in September 2005 by Nashville’s own Showtime Records. It received great reviews, hit charts from Texas to Tennessee and sold out overnight in Europe. Rex is counting on his new studio release, scheduled for March 2010 on Back 40 Productions, to do even better. He has teamed up with Nashville singer/songwriter/producer Bobby Terry and Texas singer/songwriter/producer Jason Rooks to record and produce the long awaited release titled "Cryin', Lovin' and Leavin'.
Terry has multiple hits with artists such as Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Brad Paisley, Montgomery Gentry and Trace Adkins, just to name a few, and has produced songs for artists on Capitol Records, Mercury Records, MCA Nashville and Broken Bow Records. Rooks was awarded the Producer of the Year in 1999 at Nashville's Golden Music Awards and has worked with studio greats such as Larry Franklin and Chris Leuzinger whose credits include Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson and Shania Twain.
The first single from Robards' "Cryin', Lovin' and Leavin'" CD titled "Whiskey Wrote This Song" has already begun to receive airplay and could very well be his biggest hit to date. Underground Planet Productions, based in Austin,Texas, is currently in the pre-production and story line phase for the video which is scheduled to be released along with the single in late February 2010.
Rex Robards, along with the Barefoot Cowboy Band, has begun to transcend some well drawn Nashville and Texas music borders by creating a style that is truly all his own. His live shows are electrifying and his vocal talents and songwriting skills rank right up there among the best in the business. Rex is fresh off of a six month break so be on the lookout for a new album, a new band, a new label, a bunch of new songs and a brand new direction! See ya' at the show.
When things go wrong as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit... By all means pray, and don't you quit. Success is failure turned inside out, God's hidden gift in the clouds of doubt.
You never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems afar. So trust in the Lord when you're hardest hit... It's when things go wrong that you must not quit!
I saw this story and it reminded me of a similar situation with my youngins.
Last week I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, "God is good. God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!"
Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby I heard a woman remark, "That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice-cream! Why, I never!"
Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, "Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?" As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table.
He winked at my son and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer. " "Really?" my son asked. "Cross my heart," the man replied. Then in a theatrical whisper he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), "Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes."
Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal. My son stared at his for a moment and then did something I will remember the rest of my life. He picked up his sundae and without a word, walked over and placed it in front of the woman;
With a big smile he told her, "Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes; and my soul is good already."
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. The road to Success is not straight. There is a curve called Failure, a loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Enemies, caution lights called Family. You will have flats called Jobs. But, if you have a spare called Determination, an engine called Perseverance, insurance called Faith, a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place called Success.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. The road to Success is not straight. There is a curve called Failure, a loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Enemies, caution lights called Family. You will have flats called Jobs. But, if you have a spare called Determination, an engine called Perseverance, insurance called Faith, a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place called Success.
A love so sacred and divine. A love that I can now call mine. A love so beautiful, real and true. A love like you Lord, a love that is you. A love that nurtures, heals and cares. A love that speaks to me in tenderness and brings me to tears. A love that is free for all to cherish, and given by one so that none should perish. A love that strengthens me, as it draws me towards you. I witness your miracle an am cleansed anew. A love so kind as it fills my mind. I see your light and am no longer blind. A love for all time, a love that is mine. What a pleasure it is Lord, to love only you.
I look forward to hearing you play at Texas Tumbleweed on Oct.3,2009. Brandon called and told me about it ahead of time so I could take off work to come watch your show!! I really enjoy listening to your music too..Keep up the great work...
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