Country Artist, Ricky Cook, Talks Life and Loretta in Exclusive Interview
Thanks for chatting with us Ricky! How is 2018 treating you so far?
FANTASTIC - With a debut single and a debut album, I am living my dream. I am very blessed.
Growing up, did you always want to be a musician? Can you recall your earliest musical memory?
YES! As long as I can remember, I wanted to be a singer and a songwriter. I started when I was about 7 or 8 dreaming of the ‘Opry.' I would go out to the barn and stack up hay bales like it was a stage. Good thing my audience was just the family dogs and horses. My Grandmother was a songwriter and I once asked her how to write a song. She said to me, "tell a story and make the ends rhyme." Sounded pretty easy to me, so I started working on my own music around the age of 12, or maybe 13.
Who are your music influences?
That’s easy. It’s the same answer as it’s always been. Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton. They pretty much had the same kind of upbringing as I did, as far as being from small rural areas. They sing, they write what’s in their heart, and they inspire those who grew up with a little less than others to go ahead and chase their dreams. Cause if you don’t give up, you just might make it.
What do you think people misunderstand about you?
Well, that’s tough. I guess I could say, my smarts. Some people might think I only have one oar in the water, but I’m really more like a Dragon Boat. You’ll have to think on that one. Anyway, folks from small towns with thick southern accents sometimes conjure up all kinds of misconceptions. I guess we’ll just leave it at that.
Tell us about your debut single “Thanks A Lot, Loretta!”
I’ve loved Loretta Lynn my whole life. She was the first concert I ever went to. I wanted to write a song to tell her how much she meant to me and to thank her for all the inspiration she brought. She made me feel like no matter how poor you were, if you tried hard enough you could do anything you put your mind to. Well, once I started writing the song, it didn’t quite come out the way I intended. It kind of took on more of a twist thanking her for making me straighten up and do right.
Can you talk about the process of creating your debut record?
Well, when I was just out of high school I headed to Nashville to start my career. I brought my songs to Music Row but was told they already had a Randy Travis. I didn’t want to give up, so I stayed all weekend, but I didn’t have enough money to stay all week to get a record deal. I headed back home and decided I had to make some serious money to afford this business. I eventually got into training horses and made enough money to come back. Here I am. I guess you could say it took a little while longer than I thought.
Do you have a favorite moment in the studio creating your record?
Well, my favorite moment in the studio was just watching the ‘pickers’, you know the musicians come up with the licks that just make a song stand out. They just make it look so easy and do it on the spot. It’s amazing! I don’t think they do that anywhere else but in Music City.
If we turned on your iPod/music device, what would be playing?
Well, I don’t think I have any new music device. I do have a lot of boxes of albums. And you can already guess what’s in there . . . Loretta and Dolly, maybe a little Conway, George, and Alan Jackson.
Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourself or your music?
Well, when you are really young and just starting out, I don’t think you can appreciate living this dream as much as you do when you’ve waited years and years, you know. I just want all my friends, family, and the new fans who’ve come along to understand how much I really do appreciate all of their sincere love and support.
Thank you so much Ricky! We really look forward to your debut album!
Website: https://www.rickycookmusic.com/
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