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Exclusive Interview with Rick Ryman

Rick Ryman

About Rick Ryman

  • Interview date: July 30, 2011

  • Country: USA (Pleasant View, Tennessee)

Why country music ?
~ While growing up, I was exposed to all kinds of music. My Mom loved Tom Jones and Englebert while my sister was listening to Elvis. My cousin Gene, who I grew up with, and still close to, was the one who exposed me to country music and especially Merle Haggard. So since we ran around a lot together when we were kids, Gene was an influence on me, and I got in to country music. Plus our Uncle Dave played guitar, and he exposed us both to country music at family gatherings. Still today, I like different kinds of music, but I play, sing, write, country music, cause thats who I am.

If everything would be possible (waking the dead included) , which two people should sing the ultimate country duet?
~ Interesting! There have been many great duets through the years, but wouldn’t it be great if Buck Owens and Merle Haggard done one! Merle started his music career playing bass for Buck Owens, that would be a great duet. Haggard even named Buck’s band…"The Buckaroos"

What song you ever recorded means the most to you and why?
~ It would have to be one that I wrote. There is a song that I did a bad recording of a long time ago, I would like to re-record it sometime. Its called "I May Never Live This Dream Again". Its a song about meeting someone that you never thought you would meet or be with. What I like about this song is, the first half is true, the second half was made up. It was the first song that I wrote where I mixed both truth and fiction. Some say its the best song I ever wrote.

Who would you like to write a song for you?
~ I love writing songs myself, but if someone was going to write a song for me, I would be honored that it was from Merle Haggard. I still enjoy singing his songs, and if I had the chance, there are some that I would love to record.

Whisky wine beer or water?
~ (laughing) well, lets get right to the drunk side of me! I have a weakness for whiskey, wine gives me a headache, beer I can only drink Coors now, and these days I do mostly drink water. Yes I must say, there was a time I was a drinker and I think I dranked it all. I grew up and calmed down. I found out that I didn’t need liquor to make it through life, all I needed was Jesus. Much happier now.

What is the question interviewers never asked you while you were always hoping they would. (and give us your answer)?
~ I can’t say that there was one question, but I do wish they would stay on the subject of music. I had one experience where the dj went off asking me personal questions like "why aren’t you married?".."are you dating?"…and the questions went on and on, until his boss walked in to the dj booth and told him to change the subject over the air! I was very thankful, but shoocked, the boss said that over the air.

Describe the ultimate recording studio (not the technique but the facilities)
~ It’s not the studio that makes the recording, its the great musicians, and the producer, all working together with ME, to have a relaxed fun atmosphere. I like recording on 2 inch tape the best. It really doesn’t matter the studio, its the people that make the great recordings. If you’re not having fun recording, it will show in the recording. I love hearing other musicians ideas, its good for any recording. Its also good, to have musicians there that don’t get upset if you don’t like their idea. Its all about working together and getting the best project possible.

Johnny or June ?
~ Johnny! He is another one that I enjoy singing songs he recorded.

Give us your top 3 country songs ever.
~ not answered (see next question)

We love to bring our readers exclusive scoops, so what would you like to share with our readers ?
~ That I accidently deleted one of the questions in this interview (laughing).

Rick Ryman Country Singer

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