“Songwriting is turning the heart inside out and letting the world hear the words and meditations of your heart. If a song is truly authentic it is a Christ event, a giving of your life for the benefit of those who have ears to hear,” says Rick James, who began his musical journey at the age of 5 singing as the youngest member of his traveling family of evangelists. At age 15 Rick began learning to play the guitar and by the age 17 he was performing on the stage of the world famous Ryman Auditorium and working as an assistant guitar teacher in the Doc Stone school of music in Dickson Tennessee.”
Rick is an ordained minister, a tenured youth pastor, an experienced performer, a registered CCLI songwriter, a guitar teacher, a studio musician, and an impassioned worship leader. Rick’s goal is to offer a quality music program while being a servant to his audience needs. Rick is inspired by the infinite love of God and great music, and he desires to share that inspiration everywhere he goes.
While attending Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee, Rick recorded his first CD of all original music titled, “Workin’ On Commission”. In 2001, shortly after moving to Ohio, Rick also released his second CD titled, “With Empty Hands” and is in the process of recording a third CD to be released in 2007 titled, “A Little Lower Than The Angels”. When playing live Rick generally accompanies himself using a Boss RC-20 loop station; the modern day equivalent of creating a one man band. Recording multiple loops Rick incorporates several instruments into his live worship services including guitar, piano, harmonica, banjo, mandolin, and percussion. Worship of the living God is Rick’s main focus and he customizes his stylings based upon the needs of a particular venue.
Rick is available for coffeehouses, churches, retreats, camps, and any other venue that is conducive to live music. “Few things give me the joy and fulfillment that playing music and singing to the Lord does. To me, music is a form of prayer. I believe prayer should always be our number one focus as the body worships together since prayer is our response to God by our thoughts and deeds. I think of leading worship as leading prayers of praise, adoration, thanksgiving, and repentance unto the Lord. I can’t think of a higher privilege. Even the humorous songs I write have this goal in mind.” To hear some of Rick’s music please browse this website at www.rickjamesmusic.net or check out www.myspace.com/rickjamesmusic.
Rick is based in Springfield, OH. When he is not on the road, speaking and playing music, he enjoys reading, working out, watching movies, visiting local comic book shops and spending time with his friends. To book Rick for your Event please call Rick James Ministries (937) 206-1146
source: rickjamesmusic.net
