Rick Blair -Lead Vocals -Rythm Guitar*
Joe Spivey- Guitar -Fiddle *
Kevin Grantt- Bass*
Jerry Kimbrough- Lead Guitar*
Steve Holland- Drums-Perrcussion*
Rodger Morris-Piano-Electric Piano*
Tony Harrell-Keyboards-B3 Organ*
Rick Huckaby- Harmony Vocals
Influences
Bob Seger, Johnny Cash, The Beatles, Merle Haggard, Tom Petty, Jimmy Buffett, The Eagles, Garth Brooks, John Mellencamp, Pink Floyd, Paul Young,
Arlos Smith
Rick Blair made his way to Music City in November 1996, after spending years playing the honky tonks and college bar scene in his hometown of Huntington West Virginia. Along the way, Rick built a large "underground" following of rabid fans and music family. He began taking guitar lessons at age 20 from classical guitarist, and songwriter Bob Fietsam and the two began a collaboration and friendship that would spawn the debut album "Rick Blair" released in August 2001. Plans for a national radio single and release of the video of the self depricating party tune "I Wish I Had My Money Back" were halted by the worldwide events of September 2001. The album still made a regional impact for Rick and produced radio airplay on several songs. The single "Coal Dust" became an anthem in the jukeboxes all over in places like West Virginia, Kentucky and Wyoming. He spent the next three years burning up the highway, playing the clubs and honing his craft. His live shows were always seen as an "event" with Rick frequently playing to sold out venues and packed houses in whatever town the show landed. A high energy performer, Rick was fond of playing acoustic sets with usually just a single sideman offering help with lead guitar and harmonies. It was a show he learned from hit songwriter Arlos Smith while both attended Marshall University in 1989. " I fell in love with the idea of playing to crowded houses, in an intimate setting, with just a guitar, a sound system and stories" said Rick, when asked about the origins of his live show. A husband to the former Kristen Holley, and dad to daughter Morgan, and sons Zachary, Jacob, and Joshua, Rick felt as if he needed a change in 2004. He began traveling less and taking more local shows, such as writers nights at the famed Bluebird Cafe. Spending time off the road also lead to Rick finding a new direction for his music. Long time Nashville, Seattle and New York radio man Ron Dini formed a friendship with Rick through mutual friend Greg Jones and in 2005 the trio began writing what would eventually become the "Rick Blair Band" album, which is scheduled for release in late 2009. Comprised of cuts produced by one of Nashville's most sought after studio musicians Joe Spivey, the album is an eclectic mix of tunes that will inspire the poet and amp up the road tripping hippie. "I'm excited to be back in the game" Rick said recently, " I hope I still have some fans out there, and I really hope the new record allows me to find a few new ones in the process".
I was shocked when Mitzi Adkins gave me your link. I have to say GOOD JOB !! Loving your music. I hope life has been treating you well. Very proud of you for going after your dreams !!!
It's great to have you as a friend., I hope you enjoy my music. If you have a minute please sign up for my mailing list at sashaeleyce.com Have a great day.Reach Out and love somebody. Much Love, Sasha
Wow Rick your songs are REALLY good. I am so glad you found me and made me your friend. Have a smokin weekend and be richly blessed. Smiles, Mary grace
ITS OUT!!!!!!!!! my debut album "My Life on the Radio" hit stores yesterday! you can get it digitally on iTunes or order the actual cd on CDbaby.com heres the link:
http://cdbaby.com/cd/joseygreenwell I'd really appreciate your support and if you do get a chance to pick it up....you'll have to for sure let me know what you think ok?
Online Now!
