Any of you who know Rick and myself (Jan), know that he doesn't touch a computer and therefore any and all things on this MySpace page are put on by me. Since that is the case, I am going to take the liberty of doing just a little bit of bragging. :) Rick is one of the most multi-talented people I have ever known. He has a great ability as a writer, and has written some of the best songs anyone has "never" yet heard. He is also an artist, although he will argue that point, as well as a poet, can do beadwork, leatherwork etc.
Rick has always been an innovator of new and different ideas. Some of them good and some of them, well.....just different. He started some time back designing and making a unique and different Acoustic Guitar. He calls it "Creative Sound", since that is the feature that makes the guitar so unique. They do not sport fancy inlay and are designed for one purpose only and that being a quality acoustic instrument with excellent tone and affordability.
The entire guitar is made of the finest quality materials and the unique feature is a stragecially placed 1 7/8" chrome soundhole screen. From the pictures below, you can see where it is placed.
Mr. Tommy Overstreet obtained one of these quitars and although I scanned in his letter, it is hard to read as the print is too small, so I am going to quote some of the things Tommy had to say about the guitar............
"I received my new Custom - Handmade Palomino Model, "CREATIVE SOUND" Guitar from Rick Sikes, Coleman, Texas. To say I'm happy is an understatement! I couldn't be happier if I had the best Martin or Gibson guitar made. This instrument is quality from top-to-bottom, from the finest machine heads to the bridge pins; nothing has been overlooked in this beautiful instrument. The sound is absolutely incredible and comparable to guitars that are priced five to ten times higher.
We are in pre-production of six new albums and this will be the main acoustic guitar used when we lay the music tracks. In fact, we will play it with open chords the first pass, re-string it with a high-third the second pass and capo up the third pass. Without question, I believe this instrument will meet all tests in the studio. If you are looking to purchase a new guitar, then my opinion is not to look any further than the new Custom - Handmade "CREATIVE SOUND" guitar. It will fit your musical needs......and your pocketbook. When you buy one, tell Rick.....Tommy Overstreet sent me!"
I think that just about says it all. If you want to talk to Rick about one of these guitars, he is almost always around here and can be reached at 325 625-5014.
Influences
Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, John R. Cash, Bob Wills, Wynn Stewart, Marty Robbins, Bobby Bare, Jimmy C. Newman, Merle Haggard, Ernest Tubb(a great man!), Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B. King, Steam Train Maury Graham, Hobo Bill, Jimmie Rodgers (the first sound I remember - trains and yodeling, Narvel Felts (What a tremendous voice!)
Sounds Like
Traditional or Classic Country with a little Rockabilly thrown in.
Here are a few photos from "days gone by".........we have many more, but too many to post.
I am 72 years old and live in Coleman, Texas. I have been playing music since I was 14 years old and for many years had a band called "Rick Sikes and the Rhythm Rebels". We had a lot of regional success and played a lot of large venues back in the 60's and early 70's. In the 1970's, I was convicted of robbing two banks in 1970 and served 14 and 1/2 years in Leavenworth Penitentiary. I was paroled in 1985 and came back to Coleman where I married Jan and we raised two little girls. I returned to the music business in the 1990's and released a CD called "Etchings In Stone" in early 2001. I am in poor health......have COPD, heart disease and had to have my left leg amputated. I continue to run a small music store, give beginner guitar lessons to anyone who wants to learn. I also continue to write and record songs and still hope to hear one on the radio as a "hit" before I die. Back in the old days, me and my band fronted lots of big name artists, like Bob Wills, Willie Nelson, Bobby Bare, Red Foley and Jimmie C. Newman just to name a few. I have countless stories about the "old days" and love to share them. I am also enjoying meeting and getting to know some of the current Texas Artists and see some great potential for good music to be carried on!
I would personally like to thank each and everyone who stops to listen to a tune or read a blog or to say hello.
My personal web-site is www.ricksikes.com
Jan and Rick, you really know how to throw a birthday party! You made my 60th truly memorable. Don't think I enjoyed anything as much in my entire life. The music was great, the food wonderful, and the company awesome! I love you so much. I keep you close in my heart and my thoughts. Take care and keep keeping on.
We had a wonderful time Saturday!! Jan, you're an angel, my friend. Rick, you're a MESS and one of a kind for sure!! You guys are awesome friends I am lucky to have. Love you both lots!!
Hi you two! I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed meeting both of you this weekend. I think I could sit and listen to you both for hours! Hopefully we can get together again soon. Take care!
Sounds like wind blowing in a wheatfield, train rolling down the line, rain coming down on a old tin shed, steel, wire and a rusty heart. Boots of leather and dust and ash. Mollasess and coal and stone. Wedding rings and buried bones of love broken and burnt. Tales and the footprints, ravenswings and souls are earnt."
Love your new profile photo. Looks great. Had a wonderful time with you guys last weekend. Nearly froze our butts off but it was fun. At least we got to laugh a lot. That was the main thing. Helps us cope with the seriousness of life. Love you guys!
