RICKY SCAGGS and KENTUCKY THUNDER

2009 Marks the 50th year since Ricky scaggs struck his first chord on the mandolin, has 14 grammy awards with ten consecutive nominated classics behind him, having his own Ricky Scaggs Family Record label. "bluegrass Rules.
Ricky was born july 18, 1954 in Cordell, Kentucky. at the age of five he recieved his first mandolin after his father, Hobert heard him harmonizing with his mother from across the house while playing with his toys. just two weeks after teaching him the GCD cords, Hobert returned home from being on the road and discovered Ricky changing chords and singing. Ricky enjoyed playing for the community, earning a reputation for his performances.
When Bill Monroe came to Martha Kentucky for a performance the crowd wouldn't let up until "Little Ricky Scaggs got up to play. Monroe, the father of bluegrass called 6 year old Ricky up on stage,and placing his own mandolin around his neck, adjusting the straps to fit his small frame. no one could have had an idea what this night would do to this young prodigy. by age 7 Skaggs had made the Grand Ole Opry debut, performed with Flat and Scruggs and their popular syndicated television show, where he earned his first paycheck.
In 1971 he entered the world of professional music full time with his friend, the late Keith Whitely, the two young musicians were invited to join the band of bluegrass patriarchs 'Ralph Stanely, Ricky began to build a reputation for creativity through live appearances and recordings with such acts as J.D Crowe and the New South band.
In 1975 his debut album for rounder records, regarded as one of the most influential bluegrass album ever made, a stint with Boone Creek followed, bringing leadership while giving him furter recordings plus experience.
In the later 70's Ricky turned to country music tho' now in his 20's the wealth of experience and talent served him well.
In 1981 h had a release of "Waitin For The Sun To Shine" bringing him to the top of the charts where he stayed throughout the remainder of the 80's, as his popularity soared he garnered eight awards from the (CMA)including the entertainer of the year.
1985 He recieved four grammy awards and dozens of honors, placing him front and center for the NEO- traditionalist movement, bringinh a renewed vitality and promise to a sound that had been somewhat subdued by the 'Urban Cowboy fad.
Chet Atkins credited Skaggs with single handely 'Saving Country Music.
In 1997 After Rickys recording contract was to be up, he decided to design his own label. "Skaggs family Records. since then Skaggs and his band "Kentucky Thunder' have released an amazing 10 consecutive grammy- nominated classics. which went on to earn the revered award, also opening the label to a variety of other musical artists. always keeping his emphesis on bluegrass and other forme of music.
Ricky and Skaggs Family Records have had the privilege of working with the Del Mccoury band, Jerry and Tammy Sullivan, Blue Highway, the Whites, Mountain Heart, Melonnie Cannon, Ryan Halladay and Cadillac Sky.
Ricky first released for a Skaggs records "Bluegrass Rules" set a new standard and breaking new soloes in the genre, winning him his sixth grammy award and the international bluegrass music association BMA-album of the year award.
IN 1999 A grammy for 'Ancient Tones' first bluegrass album his second consecutive grammy in the same category, one year later, won his eigth grammy award, for the best bluegrass country gospel album, "Soldier Of The Cross" this was his first gospel project with his band, Kentucky Thunder,
In year 2000 Ricky recorded his fourth album, "Big Man" the songs of Bill Monroe, which featured an all star cast of mucisians,Dolly Parton, Patty Lovless, Travis Tritt, Joan Asborne, John Fogerty,and Bruce Hornsby. celebrating the life and music of Rickys mentor, Bill Monroe.
'Big Man recieved much critical acclaim including a grammy nomination for best country collobration with vocals, the album was a new name, Ricky Skaggs and Friends sing the songs of Bill Monroe.
His fifth bluegrass album 'History Of The Future' and friends sing the songs of Bill Monroe,
2001 recieved rave revues and accolades with a grammy nomination for best bluegrass album and an IBMA for album of the year placing skaggs among the leading inovators in the genre.
2003 Led to an IBMA award for instrumental group of the year award, they had taken home eight times in the last decade.
Ricky counts the configuration of Kentucky Thunder among the best group of musicians he's ever worked with. they have his approvel every night, 'their great' says Ricky.
2004 Live at the Charleston Music Hall, was honored with a grammy award for the Harley Penned track, "A Simple Life"
In 2006 Skaggs was honored with a grammy award, this time for best musical for his contrubition to songs from the Neighborhood 'the music Of Mr Rogers. billboard bluegrass album earned Ricky his 12th career grammy.
2007 "Salt Of The Earth" which resulted in his 13th career grammy awards for best southern country of bluegrass gospel album , followed by gospel music awards for muscician of the year, as well as mainstream country artist of the year.
In 2008 skaggs again paid tribute to a man he has often refered to as his musical father,
Bill Monroe. with the line up of Earl Scruggs, Lester Flatt, Howard Watts, and Chubby Wise.
Sept, 2009 on skaggs family records, celebrates the man that caused him to fall in love with music. his father, Hobert Skaggs, "If i could've gotten my dad, on into the studio, this is how I would've wanted him to sound, playing every instrument, and singing every note on the album.
Ricky, raw with emotional honesty to his songs brings him home to the music he loves.
Ricky often said, that he is just working for a living, trying to pay his bills. but it's clear that his passion for bluegrass music puts him in a position to bring his lively distinctivly american form of music out of isolation into the hearts and ears of homes all over the world.
http://www.rickyskaggs.com type in at the renaissance theatre.