NAME: Rick Brothers
BAND/POSITION: Independent
Web Site
Arriving in Nashville TN via WI a short 5 years ago, Missouri native Rick Brothers had some very specific, if not lofty goals for himself. Some of these goals included; touring on a bus with a national artist, playing on a nationally released record, and of course being able to make a living playing drums and being considered one of the "A" players in Music City. Through perseverance, experience, and ability, Rick has achieved all of these goals and has set his sites on more.
With a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from the University of Missouri (Mizzou, where he recalls sitting by Sheryl Crow in numerous classes), Rick traveled the road for nearly 10 years in various regional acts. This took him all over the United States and abroad playing various venues, eventually ending up in Appleton WI. Most would consider his 10 years in WI a very successful time in his career. As an Appleton resident, he managed a pro drum shop, taught privately 30+ students weekly, and formed his own band Kidd Gloves. His drumming and vocal talents, along with some of the finest musicians in the state, made Kidd Gloves one of the most successful regional acts at that time. With local radio airplay and numerous sponsorships , "KG" was able to obtain opening act status for most major national artists performing in the area. While these were memorable times, Rick knew there was more to accomplish and made the move to Music City.
After solidifying work with one of the world's leading drum manufacturers, as well as gaining recognition for his live and session drumming in various local circles, Rick began to play every major local venue and fill in gigs with various national artists including Jo-El Sonnier, Rebecca Lynn Howard, and Doug Stone. He then received his first chance to record tracks for his first major national release. Rick recorded 4 tracks on Audium Records artist Doug Stone's latest album, "The Long Way" including the album's only single release along with the title cut. From there he was on his way later to travel two years with Epic recording artist Ty Herndon, eventually landing bandleader responsibilities. With Ty's touring schedule slowing down Rick found employment with Mapex USA as an inside sales and customer service representative. While employed there, Rick received one his most exciting calls to date -- a chance to play for the "Redneck Woman!"
Rick had the tremendous privilege to tour with the fastest rising country star in music history, Gretchen Wilson. In addition to being the hottest act in country music in 2004, Wilson gained recognition as recipient of the very prestigious CMA "Horizon" award and the AMA award for the "Breakthrough" artist in music in all genres, Rick enjoyed national television exposure with Wilson being featured on CBS' 60 Minutes, numerous specials on CMT and performances on the RMA, CMA, and AMA award shows. Coming off the very successful 2004 Brooks and Dunn tour playing to sold out arena's all over the country, Rick toured with Wilson and country artists Big & Rich. With an Australian tour and an opening spot on Kenney Chesney's 2005 tour, Rick was one of the busiest and more visible drummers on the national country scene.
Currently Rick is involved in another amazing project called Smokey Lonesome. The band Smokey Lonesome is set to take country music by storm. The infectious groove, powerful songs and incredible vocal harmonies are reminiscent of the early Eagles and Lynyrd Skynyrd set to a modern edge. Their live performance has even been referred to as a "religious experience" by industry insiders.
Rick's success is truly an inspiration for all musicians, proving that if you don't give up and continue to dedicate yourself to your craft, anything can happen!
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