Rick Finney is a rare item in the fact that he is a native Nashvillian. He grew up helping his family in their department store in a prominently black neighborhood. He learned to love the music of the area whether it was a combination of guys harmonizing on the corner or working with black blues artists who had family in the area and a club close by. Rick went to a private boarding school in Cleveland, Ohio where he did apprentice disc jockey work as well as organizing shows for Gene Carroll on local radio station KYW. Through his time under Gene, he met and befriended such artists as Bo Diddley, The Dovells, Bobby Rydell, Fabian, Chubby Checker, etc. When he writes and records, to this day, Rick uses the open tuning method of blues guitar style that he learned from Bo Diddley.
He came back to Nashville after graduation and worked in local combo bands, as well as the “Ironing Board Sam†band. With these bands, he had the opportunity appear on “Night Train†and meet & share the stage with the likes of Little Richard, Jimi Hendrix, Clyde McPhatter, and even Fats Domino. Exposure to these fine artists helped Rick’s natural evolvement as a singer/songwriter. Early on, Rick secured writing contracts with Cedarwood Publishing, Tree Publishing and ATV Music and cuts by George Jones, Johnny Paycheck, Dr. Hook, Bobby Barol, John Russell, Freddy Hart, and Charlie Rich to name a few. He was introduced to “Cowboy†Jack Clement of Sun Records and was chosen to play guitar and sing on his album. This led to work with Johnny Cash, John Hartford, John Prine, June Carter Cash, Waylon Jennings, and others that Cowboy Jack produced.
Rick has had the distinction of being the main opening act at the Exit/In in Nashville. His humorous songs are delivered with ease and his friendly stage presence makes any audience feel at home. He has performed with the B-52’s, Dobie Gray, Johnny Rivers, Asleep at the Wheel, BB King, Steve Martin, Richie Havens, Del Shannon, Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Dixon, and more. He has had cameo roles in country music videos by Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Roy Orbison, Ray Charles, Keith Whitley, Hank Williams, Jr., Lorrie Morgan, George Jones, & The Carter Family.
His movie credits include working with friend Jim Varney on Disney’s “Ernest Goes to Jail†& “Ernest Scared Stupidâ€, and he worked with Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson on the NBC movie “The Last Days of Frank and Jesse James.â€
Other films include: Coal Miner’s Daughter, Concrete Cowboy, Framed, The Witness, and more [for HBO, PBS, FOX, and Cinemax]. Rick also has done character voices for Disney and Sesame Street; his voiceover credits include McDonald’s, Wolfman Jack, Budweiser, Popeye’s Chicken, Nascar Racing, Ken-L-Ration, Pace Picante Sauce, Canadian Broadcasting, Ford, Chevrolet, Lees Chicken, Red Roof Inns, and more.In the winter of 2001, Rick join creative forces with Anthony Crawford, whose cuts include Kenny Rogers, The Oak Ridge Boys, Lorrie Morgan, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Billy Burnett, Sawyer Brown, and Steve Winwood. Together, Rick & Anthony have written and recorded over 80 songs and four CDs. Watch for them!
Check out Rick on CD BABY...... http://cdbaby.com/cd/ubu1 ......and also.... http://cdbaby.com/cd/ubu2
Rick Uses a song plugger on Music Row, Nashville. Sharp Objects is well known and highly respected in the music industry. November 2007, Rick had an opportunity to get one of his songs pitched to Blake Shelton! We won't know about Mr shelton's decision until spring. Keep your fingers crossed!
www.cdbaby.com/cd/jodiann
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