Rick Strickland – A True Talent  From The Palmetto State

    A song that virtually dominated the beach music scene in 2005 is

Something Smooth, as written and recorded by Rick Strickland.

Included in the fall 2004 120 Soul Street compilation, it may still be the most requested song on radio shows and in beach clubs since that point in time. The song made it to number one on the charts, and stayed there for several months here at beachmusic45.

    Rick Strickland is certainly no stranger to beach music, having been involved as a songwriter, studio musician and key performer for many years.  He plays several musical instruments including guitar and drums, but is most noted for his four octave vocal range and unique harmonies. This was well demonstrated just recently with his performance at the 2005 Carolina Beach Music Awards at the Alabama Theatre in North Myrtle Beach. His tremendous singing brought down the house. Rick received a well deserved Songwriter of the Year award at the ceremonies for Something Smooth.

      Rick was a member of the South Carolina based beach band Shagtime, where he wrote and performed the widely acclaimed classic She Can’t Fix Grits.  The song has been heard everywhere from “The John Boy and Billy” radio show to New York City and is still a highly requested song in the clubs. Other hits that he wrote for the band include Whatever You Do (Whatever You Say) and one of my all time personal beach favorites,  I Could Be Your Everything.  Shagtime received a Best New Artist of the Year award during this period. Other recent beach music ventures include producing songs for The Mighty Kicks and recording two duets with Michelle Murray on her Personally album released in 2002.

 Rick was also a member of the Band of Oz during the late ‘90’s, joining the group when Jerry West left for awhile to work in Nashville. He wrote two songs on the band’s Dancing In The Street release, Shing-Yo-Ling and My Heart Belongs To You. Rick also had a solo hit entitled I Walked Into This Love, which was included on the 1999 Ripete compilation Finger Poppin’ Time, Volume 2. Band of Oz’s drummer and booking manager David Hicks spoke highly of Rick:

"Rick is not only an excellent vocalist and musician; he is the best arranger that I have worked with. He is also an excellent writer and best studio vocalist that I have seen over the many years that I have been in this business."

   What is generally not well known about Rick Strickland is his impressive regional and national performing, producing and arranging resume. His past work includes a vocal performance in Robbie Benson's movie, Modern Love, as well as a musical performance for the Georgia Music Awards backing up Tommy Roe, Joe South, and Ray Stevens. He was also involved in the composition and performance of two productions, The Ugly Hair Blues and Through Rose Colored Glasses for the Modern Dance Troupe of the Columbia City Ballet. Strickland's session work includes background vocals on legendary rockabilly artist Carl Perkins recording of Rise Above It and background harmonies on the song Angel Inside by fellow South Carolinian and Arista recording artist Rob Crosby.

 Over the course of his career, Rick has produced over fifty albums and numerous singles in all styles of music. His commercial work includes numerous jingles and television themes such as: Columbia, S.C.'s The Koger Center's commercial, High Heel Sneakers; vocals for a Tons of Toys commercial; the theme song for former University of South Carolina basketball coach George Felton’s show; and the theme song for the Windham brother's Charleston based morning show on the Breeze 96.9 FM. Veteran South Carolina radio personality Woody Windham had the following to say regarding Rick:

“I've never heard a bad Rick Strickland song. Rick Strickland has never asked me to play one of his songs. I play Rick Strickland songs because I want to - because they're so good”

   Rick also completed three national tours as the musical director

for international recording artist Billy Joe Royal. While working for Royal, he opened for such superstars as Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, Tammy Wynette, Martina McBride, The Turtles, Jan and Dean, John Sebastian and the Lovin' Spoonful, and Tommy James and the Shondells. He has also opened shows for the legendary B.B. King in New York’s Central Park, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Fifth Dimension, Clarence Carter and The Chairmen of the Board. Billy Joe Royal had the following to say about Rick:

“Ricky is one of the most talented people that it has been my pleasure to work with. Besides being a terrific writer, he is a truly gifted singer with phenomenal range. We have been really good friends over the years - best of luck to him.”

   Back on the beach music scene, Rick has two new songs in 2005 that are beginning to receive air and club play. Counting The Days is a strong smoothie featured on the Soul Street Café compilation. Party Till The Break Of  Dawn from the Soul Street III CD has that genuine Carolina beach music sound to it that is great for the shaggers. Veteran beach music vocalist and band leader Bo Shronce from The Fantastic Shakers had the following praise for Rick:

"Not only is Rick Strickland a first rate song writer, he also has one of the best voices in beach music. Having shared a stage with Rick many times, I've never seen him give less than 150 percent in a live performance. I am a Rick Strickland fan."

Rick Strickland’s on stage goal is to make each performance an event which will leave a lasting impression on the audience. I would say he accomplishes it very well indeed. We look forward to many more successes from him in the world of beach music.