How Rediscovering Rock Music Led Me Here - A 24 Year Overnight Success

I was one of your students at Ithaca College in the fall of 1989. I was a film major but was starting to play guitar. I totally sucked. I wanted something more rock-n-roll or even blues, but the only course available at the time was to take jazz guitar with you. I still have my chord charts and scales and modes with your handwriting on them! Although I never ended up playing jazz, thanks to you I still enjoy playing guitar thirty years later. I remember those classes with you at Ithaca so fondly. I am proud that you are still teaching and still inspiring people. But now, instead of just Ithaca kids, you are reaching people all over the world. Keep up the great work Rick! I am grateful that you filled me with just enough knowledge and enthusiasm to keep going. I honestly think if I hadn't taken that class with you, I probably would have been too discouraged by my shitty playing to continue. So, a sincere THANK YOU! ~ Sean Manton

The most important part of this is when he admitted that he was a proficient guitarist who couldn’t write tunes anyone wanted to hear. It’s a very unique and rare gift and has little to do with musicianship.

Rick, You are as talented at storytelling as you are at music. Storytelling is a lost art form that entertained people for thousands of years. It's incredibly refreshing to know someone still sees the fascination of telling a great story. Thank you and keep the stories flowing.

Just goes to show there is no such thing as "Overnight success". You worked hard trying to find your niche in the music world. Hearing that you were in 4 bands at one time PLUS bartending to afford to live and you never really gave up. I love these videos.

I have met or talked to so few folks I feel like really live and die for their music / or career. I can't tell you how much I appreciate these stories and info you drop here. Thank you for taking the time to help the next generation of musicians. Greatly appreciated.

This is THE QUINTESSENTIAL 90's story. I absolutely love it. I don't know what it's like to be young today, but, I feel like the 90's was the last time a kid could be truly free. Free to fail without the consequences being life destroying.

You know a man has come to terms with himself when he can admit openly, that despite his best efforts, he didn't quite have "what it takes" in that elusive world of hit song writing, and yet, with the help of family and friends, make a successful turn, and still make a solid, productive contribution to the lives of others...well done sir, well done. 👊

Rick...wow...what an inspiring story. I am a former professional guitar player and software developer. I find your stories and your musical wisdom fascinating. You have so much encouragement and inspiration to give people. I am sorry about your mom passing...mine did too. Our moms were both very encouraging to us. I look forward to many more stories to learn from from you. God bless Rick.

A belated comment posted a few years after you made this video, Rick, but I still want to thank you. As a guy in my early 50s who just recently realized what disastrous decisions I made many years ago and how they derailed my life and dreams for literally decades, this video gives me hope that one can indeed start over in life. And mine involved Nashville and music as well. I only discovered this channel within the past few weeks but it really is one of the most awesome channels on BRvid.

Pretty amazing how you managed to keep my attention through that entire 35 minutes.... Really really great story.

Rick, I don't usually post comments. Thank you for sharing this. I've had a horrendous year and your story has really moved me and had given me hope. Thank you and thank you for all the videos.

When someone says they "hate hearing people life stories" aren't listening to the right life stories.

Incredible story. I did not intend on sticking around for 35 minutes, but I was hooked instantly! Inspiring.

This is a great story about persistence. It seemed like you knew there was something more that you needed to find and didn't stop until you did. Inspiration for all. Overnight successes that last take years to build a foundation like you did. That's the type of overnight success that stays. Congratulations and thanks for your great channel! (For anyone reading this, look up Chinese Bamboo Tree. The 5 years that seems like nothing is happening after planting it couldn't be further from the truth. In those years it is building a massive root structure to support its incredible growth.)

WHAT A STORY!!!!! Enjoyed every second of it! Not only a great musician but a natural storyteller! Blessings to you and the family, Rick!

Fantastic story! I couldn't get enough! I wanted to travel in a band but had given up that dream. I Joined the Army to do my traveling. Ironically, while in Germany, a Commander heard me singing in the shower, popped his head around the corner and ask me where I had learned to sing like that. I told church is where I started. He told me to get dressed and follow him. He took me to the Recreation center on post. I didn't know it at the time but the USO was trying to put an all G.I. band together. There were these Soldiers in Uniform, playing Brown Sugar by the Stones. The commander walks up and says, here is your singer. For three years I traveled from Post to Post on a Bus Provided by the USO. Friday nights we played country, Saturday nights rock. We played in Battle Of The Bands against European bands. Played Beer Fest, Family events for the Military. So you just never know how your dreams and wishes will come true. At 60, I'm still singing Country and Rock-n-Roll. Two shows every week.

Howard Thompson ! He's the musical director on my favorite radio station, 89.5FM WPKN (Bridgeport, CT). Fun to hear more about him, and the many twists and turns of your epic journey. But what really strikes me is what a fantastic family you have. So supportive and loving, the wind beneath your wings. What a blessing. ♥♥♥

"The idea of the simplicity of writing a melody that was so stripped down to its basic elements, that writing something that people could relate to, millions of people, that I realized, instead of scoffing, I realized how difficult it is to write something that's memorable that people want to listen to over and over."

Great story... and great story teller! Thanks for sharing!

25 years as an indie rock sound man, 7 cross continent tours, 3 recording studios, we can trade stories man. Thanks for sharing and being Rick. I find your channel very enlightening and satisfying.

Thank you for your story. It just proves anything can happen. I, myself, am 68. been a merchant mariner and a closet songwriter all my life and , after a couple of chance meetings with bands in the Philippines where I hang out everyone wants to play my music. Whether it goes anywhere, who can say , but I am running down that same road and I don't care about the money or the fame, I just want to justify my existence and I think I already have , just by the recognition of people much younger than I am that say "Hey, these are good songs" So God Bless, although I don't believe in God, and maybe one day we can get together

This whole video should be expanded into a full fledged movie. Reminds me a bit of "On The Road" by Jack Kerouac. Totally cool story.

Rick. Totally agree, anything is possible. Beyond believing in yourself and sticking with it, your journey also takes a certain type of personality and attitude. Listening to this story, you guide us through your tale of soul searching and traveling to find out who really are and where you belonged within the music community. It's extremely personal for me, having spent the majority of my 20's and 30's on a similar path making music and engineering records in Chicago and New York as well as testing the waters in many places in between (Austin, New Orleans, to name a few). What you don't say, but is conveyed by how well you are received by past acquaintances and new people alike, is that you are always up for trying new things, accepting opportunities (even when they are outside your comfort zone) and you don't burn bridges. We've all known enormously talented, "visionary" type musicians who, given the right circumstances, could have become famous rock stars... Yet these types always hold their cards too close to the chest, are inflexible, moody, depressed, possibly dealing with addiction issues and never seem to get that "break." These musicians end up begging, borrowing and stealing their way across the country- not showing up for gigs, stiffing studios and landlords and leaving a wake of bad blood with bands, venues and even entire cities. While things were different in the 90's and early 2000's, there is a lot to be learned about networking here. I think it would be very helpful to do an entire show on basic people skills and attitude. I'm not sure if you monitor your comments have gone into more detail on this elsewhere in your vast catalog of videos, but there is a great deal here to be said about leaving doors open when you move on. If you stay in this community and business long enough (as you are well aware) it's amazing how small it becomes and how many times you will cross paths with the same people. The right person can turn every one of those "chance" encounters into a great opportunity. Well done.

You know, I’m currently 32, a dad, a few kids, own my own home in the middle of nowhere. I usually watch your videos on Sunday in my kitchen. I’m pretty happy with where I am, but when I was a teenager and my early 20’s all I wanted to do was travel and play music. I can’t say I regret my decisions but I tend to think “what if” a lot. You’re inspiring. I still jam from time to time. You make me want to be better. Thank you.

Oh my God Rick you are speaking my language. I too was a failed musician from the 90s who toured for 2 years. My band was also a 3 piece. We opened for 7 Mary Three, Kid Rock and others. I was in my twenties at the time. Very long story short, I am now 43 years old living in a room at my mom's house and will be graduating in December 2019 with a B.S. in Psychology, then moving on to my M.S. In 2014 I was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor and later Lupus, luckily through treatment it became benign, but it can never be removed. I was severely depressed and had no idea what to do with my life. On a random trip to Target I met an older gentlemen, somehow I ended up telling him about my health troubles and how I had no idea what to do with my life. He said the most amazing thing to me that turned everything around, "Your days are going to come and go regardless. It is up to you how you chose to fill them. You have nothing to lose, pick something you've always wanted to do and make it happen." This was May of 2015 and that August I was beginning school. It's weird how life pairs you up with people at just the right moments. Love the videos!

You can pinpoint the four days that changed your life. My old film colleague made a film with Sydney Pollack called “Sliding Doors” based on those “what if” moments in your life. I like your story better. If I were still in the business I’d get a script going on this one yesterday. Anyways you are a gold mine of life’s lessons and I really appreciate all the hard work you put into your videos 👍🏻🥂

This is a great biography of your plight through the music industry. I have a son who graduated from a College in London Ontario Canada called Fanshawe where a number of rock bands have recorded in a studio there and the instructors at Fanshawe were the producers . I can relate to your story just from what my son is going through to gain a foothold in the industry. Interesting and captivating story.

This video should be shown to all high school seniors and should have 300 million views. Great story about life Rick! Thank you for sharing.

I listen to your channel because I love music. I am not a musician but your video spoke to me on so many levels. Anybody who is interested in a creative pursuit or is trying to do something non mainstream would benefit from such an honest personal history. People are led to believe that life is so linear and that any deviation is disastrous. Its not easy by any means but you don't have to end up in the river like the prodigy. Life is so complex that nothing is written, anything is possible. Never give up. Rick, keep on rocking in the free world man.

Rick, your enthusiasm is as infectious as your musical knowledge is vast. Thanks man, you understand the power of positive thinking. I think a lot of us are cut from the same cloth with a similar story. Never say die, something good is always going to happen.

...i don't get the dislikes ....Ricks the most interesting , sincere guy / knowledgeable story teller on you tube ....I think the best way to describe Rick is jst musically , he gets it ...and non judgemental towards any flavor of music....can't wait to get his book

What a story. I truly hope one or both of your parents were around to witness your success. I’m certain they are very proud. I told my son when he was growing up to find something he loves to do and try to make a living at it. It was a struggle but he is now a PGA pro with two extremely proud parents. Love your videos Rick

I am so glad that your path has taken you to a place that I have crossed. I grew up in a musical household but I wasn't gifted like my brothers and Dad. Fear held both of my brothers back. I wish they had heard your story sooner.

So many beautiful things in this story. Your honesty and willingness to share failures. Your intuition and passion. A loving nonjudgemental family to help you get back up again. And a payoff that took longer and came in a different form that you had initially desired. And now you get to pass your lessons on to your son and daughter...and fans! Thank you so much for sharing. Truly inspirational and it changed the way I thought about you.

Super fun listening to Rick’s story! I am no PhD in music, but I had a bit of a similar experience with being in the jazz or classical music “coma”. I took classical piano lessons growing up and became obsessed with musical geniuses like Stevie Wonder. Eventually though, I realized there can be beauty and talent in making music that is energizing, invigorating, and memorable even though it may appear simple. That realization opened me to enjoying a much wider variety of styles including electronic music. Anyway, love your work Rick-keep it up!

What a trip......I don’t know you Rick except for watching some of your videos but I just found myself listening to you for 35min telling stories from you life like I was listening to an old friend....that is a gift. I was hypnotised by your adventures and the amount of amazing people willing help out a stranger who was broke and homeless. It just goes to show music is a common language and can take you anywhere

Rick - I think you need to consider writing an autobiography that highlights experiences and lessons learned along the way. You've got some wonderful stories and a terrific, refreshing attitude to boot. The book would probably write itself. Food for thought!

Amazed to hear Howard Thompson's name here. In a much smaller (but very similar way) he had a huge effect on my belief in myself as a songwriter. Hats off to him...and to you as well Rick.

Man this was one of the most inspiring stories I've heard in my life.

This video was very touching and very relevant for me today. Thank you for sharing the personal setbacks and less romantic moments that led to where you are now. I've just turned 31, and have picked up music again in the last 6 months, after my guitar had mostly been languishing in the back room for most of my twenties. To think that you consider 32 to have been but the start of this chapter, reminds me that I have plenty of time yet to express myself and make up for the years without a creative outlet. Music heals the soul, and your channel has made me fall deeper in love with it. I don't need to tell you what a gift that is.

Great story - just a reminder to everyone that nothing good will happen in your life if you don't keep trying new things,productive things & learning new things . I was a high school dropout at 17 who joined the marines,then broke my right shoulder a year later . The black sheep of the family,but I kept working hard and leaning anything and everything I could. I was able to start my own company in 1999( with my own money ),and now i'm a multimillionaire . I started playing drums in 1984 to rehab my shoulder ,which lead to playing bands,which lead to DJing ,which lead to making a lot of money on the side,which taught me about running a company . I still play all the time,but i'm a much better factory owner then a musician ..... at least that's what my bank account says . If you are good at something - success will find you .

Great story, REAL story, good story telling. That’s what a BRvid channel is all about. Sure there are loads of things, spontaneous things, like calling up friends and crashing at their places.. that don’t happen much anymore, in this generation of bedroom-music-making... but there are other great things..... And getting in front of a camera, telling one of our life’s central stories..and sharing it with the world..is one of them, hands down. Congrats on your life.. congrats on your will, and congrats on the ppl that surrounded you, namely your family ;) .

You know Rick, this story just made me feel really great about where I am in my life. I’m an Army combat veteran who served in Iraq, I’m also a Full Sail grad and I worked at Circle House Studios as an engineer and did pretty well. I then quit all that at the age of 31 to move to LA to follow my dreams of a rock n’ Roll career. I’m 37 now and it’s not easy but I can’t picture myself doing anything else. I’m a pretty smart guy (I was a high-school chess state champ) and I know I can do many other things very well but if it’s what I wanna do, then it’s not a life at all no matter how much money I’m making. I know our stories are very different but seeing how successful you’ve been in music and influential you’ve been to so many, I just gotta hang in there! Thank you!

Music is a powerful thing. The love of music is next level. Music can be a time machine. What a great story Rick. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Rick, You sure can tell a story. Must have been great to live that out. I've followed your work for 1+ yrs but hadn't seen this backstory before. Good on you for bring your passion to us through your channel. It's been a musical inspiration for me in a lot of ways. Andrew

Amazing life story, Rick. You are a real winner! And it's amazing how you guys in US just leave and try things out in different places. Here in Brazil, this is not usual. It's kind of hard to settle in a different city just like you did back in 90's. Congrats for life story, man!

What?!! I didn't even realise this video was 35 mins long until it ended! That's a clear sign of your innate talent as a teacher -- you had me captivated with your story from start to finish. The same talent that, as you said, led you to find your true calling and succeed as a producer.

Great story Rick Beato. It’s so good when music is made this way, it’s like the life you lead establishes the music one makes and writes. It’s so good to hear. Many Thanks

Kid tours the country, comes home in abject poverty and his mom is just glad to have him home. lol What a sweetheart.

Rick, I love hearing your stories of real human struggles and discovery. Very relatable (including living with parents as a supposedly successful adult)! Much love to you. Btw, my dad was from buffalo and went to Cornell. (He enjoyed listening to classical music but was otherwise entirely unmusical.) Your videos are among my favorites on BRvid (along with Tiffany Poon and David Bruce).

Rick, you’re fortunate depression was brief for you. Depression pretty much ended my musical career.

An absolutely fascinating story - I spent my late teens through to my late 20's chasing the elusive dream during the 1980's and early 90's of landing a record deal and making a living out of music. I played hundreds of gigs in various bands across the country (the UK) - one band got as far as having some interest from a couple of labels, but it never materialised into anything more substantial and eventually I had to concede that it was never going to be, but I am still massively into music, still play in a band for fun and enjoyment and have a pretty decent home studio set up that I enjoy using. Music is still a great thing to do, whether playing covers or recording your own music. If you can make a living from it as well that's great, but if not just take pleasure from being able to do it.

Wow! Awesome story. Good to be reminded how much hard work and persistence is required to make a living in music. Even when you’re as knowledgeable and talented as Rick.

With every episode I watch I gain more and more respect. This one is so open and honest and well told. 🍺

Love you Rick it resembles my journey But I started at 15 quit baands at 23 Got a job and for 25 years I played in my room.. Only.. at 50 years old I married and my wife and I played in restaurant for 4 years. Now at 67 I compose for fun and its FUN FUN FUN and its fine If nobody like's it or not

Not only a great musician but also a brilliant storyteller.

Rick is the greatest human on BRvid...real, honest and fantastic to listen to!!

By immersing your son in eclectic and challenging types of music, you allowed him to develop Perfect Pitch. Well, by you going all about, experiencing different people, different sounds, challenging yourself, seeing how things are to and not be done, etc. you developed your Life Perfect Pitch.

Love this, Rick. My attention span is terrible for most things and most times but I sat here and listened for over half an hour. Inspirational, and thank you.

Rick it is a fascinating story. Shows just how tenacity gets you through the hard times. I am happy you finally made your life a success. Great education on what life is about. Thanks for sharing it with us.

As a songwriter myself, its great to hear someone say that its not about music complexity, its about a melody that people will remember and enjoy.

Great story! So glad I listened!!! As a wannabe musician, I have followed along with a lot of what you've done, but I had the luck of working in a travelling sales job so I was able to experience a lot of music around the US and even Europe and Mexico. My passion for music never ends. Now I sit and convince my girls to never surrender their passions for music.

Wow. Never thought I would spend 35 minutes or more listening to a story like this. I just couldn't stop listening! Great video. Cheers, Dickran

Thanks Rick for an engaging and truly inspirational video! I was enthralled by your story and it played in my head like a movie. I am at something of a crossroads in my life at the moment too. Your message that 'anything is possible' carries so much more weight because you are not just talking the talk but you really did walk the walk! I feel much more optimistic about just going out there and trying something new after hearing your story. Thank you Rick!

Rick, you’re a wonderful storyteller. With audiobooks today, you could write an autobiography with music in it. PS. That must have been a great car, lol.

What an amazing life you have had, already. You''re/We're still young and as you said "anything is possible". Unlike you, I'm still very lost as to what my own life mission and journey are. You're story is a very moving one nonetheless and I thank you VERY much for sharing it with me. I just discovered your channel tonight and now I am going to be very busy binge watching it. This little journey started with your "What's So Great About This Song?: More Than A Feeling", which happens to be the most memorable song from my childhood and still one of my favorites, if not THE favorite song of my youth. I could go on but I already did over at that video.:)

This just makes me sad that music enthusiasts don't quite work that way anymore. Everyone makes music in their bedroom, nobody knows anyone, the spontaneity seems to be gone for good. The idea of calling up a random acquaintance and them being eager to let me stay at their place (and instantly asking me to start a band with them) is just so alien to me, probably because I was still just a toddler back in '94 so I didn't really care about the music scene until all these changes happened. Getting a record deal where the agent will just throw fat wads of cash at the band so they can do their thing as opposed to the bands having to spend enormous amounts of their own money for anyone to even notice that they exist? Inconceivable. I think the internet (and the resulting cultural globalisation) is one of the main culprits here. Nobody except for your mum has a reason to care about your local band if they can find hundreds of thousands of other (possibly better) bands online. But what can you do.

You really never know where life is going to take you. Effort and sacrifices usually pay off later. And when you're there you look back and realize it wasn't so bad and you have a lifetime of stories and another lifetime to tell them while you're adding to them.

I was 16years old in 1956 and ELVIS Presley entered my life it changed everything for millions of other kids around the world. I'm still rocking (mainly in my chair) 79years old and still loving this music till the day I die 😎😎😎😎FROM AUSTRALIA....

Great story Rick! I enjoy your youtube posts! Sounds like you had great parents! I love the process of songwriting! It's a great way to pass time!

Having grown up in chapel hill, this story has special significance because that town was peppered with young, talented musicians willing to take the same risks and journey. I was truly blessed to have lived there...and didn’t realize it till much later in life. It really is the southern part of heaven...😊

This is a great history! I hadn't thought I would hear the whole thing, but this was very cool and pulled me in. It's almost a mini-history (an epic, sweeping mini-history!) of pop music and the music business. Thank you!!

Great story. The music scene is so random and fickle. You couldve ended up world famous. So much luck is involved as far as bands go. What helped your success is that you are a nice guy and have friends all over and actually spent quality time with them face to face. What i want to know is how did you go back and learn what you missed in the 80's? Such an awesome music era...they still had musicians in the 80's.

That was incredibly interesting. I'm so glad you shared it. As a guy who has vocational and economically played life pretty safe, I am fascinated by people who have lived so boldly.

That was a beautiful story Rick. The more I watch you guys on BRvid the more we learn,grow and deal with everyday bullshit and just surviving, But some of us learn to rise again and again never to be held down anyway very inspiring.

Gee, man. You really went through the hero's journey there. Great story. It goes to show that being a talented cool dude eventually pays off. Hello from Brazil again!

Great story Rick. I love music but never got into it that deep except I really look for meaningful lyrics. Your channel and my 9 year old sons journey in music has really made me look deeper. You found your calling that's for sure and your channel is amazing. I have shared it with my wife, who in turn shared it with her vocal coach at her school and also with my sons piano teacher and many others. You have one of the best channels in my list for sure, super interesting and relatable.

Incredible story, Rick. Inspirational for another.. you aren't old, old is a state of mind that you do not have! Everyone is aging, hating on someone for their age is nothing different than hating on yourself... just imo

Wow, thank you for sharing your awesome story, im going through a lot right now in music and i came across with this video, just inspiring to hear those words "ANYTHING IS POSIBLE" the best 35 mins of my life thanks.

Hi Rick. I am an amateur guitarist\singer who is not a young guy (still have a rock and roll heart). I have some strengths, but have so much more to learn. Mainly about theory. I definitely am committed. It seems like that's all I do is practice. Anyhow, I just wanted to say thank you for all you do . I wish I knew one-tenth of what you do. I have learned a lot from you. I really enjoyed your story also. Gives me faith. Thanks again

Just a case of working out what your true calling was. Yes you are clearly a wonderful musician yourself but your skill is channelling the raw talents of others and helping them realise their dreams and that combination of teacher/musician is rare. Its that teacher in you that is also behind the success of this wonderful channel. Keep on rocking.

Great story Rick. What a winding trail you were on. The best part is that you were perpetually broke. Money and happiness are not necessarily related. They can be but it's not a huge problem if there is no money. Thanks for your story. I saw Tim Buckley Jeff's father at the Grande Ballroom in Detroit in 1967; Cream, Arthur Brown, Amboy Dukes and many other great bands played there.

DUDE I freaking love listening to you talk. You're just so intelligent and well versed. Its honestly calming

What a story! Incredible. Just goes to show, if you really want something bad enough...sometimes the road to success goes through NEVER QUIT!

Your stories are every bit as instructive as music theory - you're sharing music life theory

There's so much to unpack in this beautifully told story! Thanks Rick

You have no idea how inspiring these stories are. What really blows my mind is that all this kind of stuff happened before cell phones, or even answering machines. How did we do it? I do remember some siting around by the phone waiting for it to ring, but now I don't even walk out to my car and back without a phone. And all those pivotal moments managed to come together without a phone strapped to your hip. Amazing.

Super cool story - thank you for sharing this. Very inspiring. An aside - I’m friends with the two guys who managed Buckley and his band. It’s so cool to hear the little points and to see how connected the industry is. Can’t wait to mention to them that you used to go see Jeff play in the East Village to them.

Fantastic story! Thanks, Rick! I was active in the Cologne Germany music scene in the early nineties at that time playing all kinds of crazy stuff including metal, rockabilly, Psychobilly, and also stuck in cover band hell for awhile LOL thanks for the inspiration, Man! You took me back to that special pre-internet time. ❤✌😎

Great life story Rick,as humble as you are talented,,,I did an album on RCA in 1988 in a band called Shine,,we were based in Scotland UK,,sadly we never set the world on fire ,same as you,,locked in a deal,,wrote far better second album demos but could do nothing with them,,,takes a long time to rediscover what you loved in the first place,,the MUSIC itself,,your videos have helped me feel feel like I did as a teenager staring at my HiFi in amazement!!! .Your a lovely guy mate,thanks.

What a wonderful story! I'm sure your drive and dedication, from the beginning of your love of music, coupled with your talents, education and and eclectic tastes have served you well. Thank you for sharing all of these with us. Your sincerity shines through each video episode!

Rick thanks for sharing this very openly, it’s been very interesting to hear your story, the journey, successes and failure and the fact that you never gave up believing your life belonged to music and nothing else! Super inspiring and uplifting!!! What’s the song you co-wrote and became a #1 hit? ✌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Such a relatable story. Don't you just love the randomness of life and those forks in the road? My three-piece band moved from New Jersey to Chapel Hill, NC in 1988. We'd spent some time trying to decide which music scene was right for us and had looked at Boston, Atlanta, Austin, Hoboken, etc. With bands like the Let's Active, The Connells and the dBs hailing from NC, we figured why not? I had some relatives there and the scene did have some fine bands. While I was there, Ben Folds, Superchunk and others emerged. I moved away in 1995 but still miss that place and time.

An important thing to take away from this is sometimes you have to know when to say when. Rick can play, and that’s why he was able to travel the world and record with different bands and start a new life in a new city. One can look back on one’s life and see how the pieces fell into place. For Rick, those pieces were part of a greater musical journey that seems obvious now, although I’m sure it wasn’t at the time. Now, if I stuck with my “dream” of playing music full time, I’d be washing dishes in an Applebee’s in Ohio somewhere. Great story, Rick, by the way.

What an interesting story. You’re a good storyteller, Rick.👍

Enjoyed the story. I never practiced enough to be a musician, but it is great to hear about the lives of those who do. You are and inspiration.

You totally nailed the requirements for making a scene - radio support, venues, cheap rehearsal space, and affordable housing.

You are so lucky having parents like that, 1994 year was similar only was the partner of a rhythm guitarist. We split up because of this kind of turmoil. We have remained peaceful harmonious. His story a bit tragic. I hope he makes his health challenge through. I loved him when I left him and he says the same to my bother, 1995 was a disco journey and DJ. I actually started earning good money from music and it took time to get used to certain tunes. It was so exciting. Still mixed with bands in my new job and role at the night club.

Great video Rick. It explains how someone can know so much about music and play loads of instruments like yourself - the story is like a road movie. excellent.

I wanted to say the same thing Brendan Fisher said. Yeah Rick, it's funny how each and every little decision we make can have such a profound effect on our lives and careers even though we may not know it at the time.