Singer / Songwriter Rich Murray, is gearing up for his second solo Americana release. The first release from his Hillbilly Soul Music album, titled “Down the Road” was well received by fans and Music Business Associates on an International level, entering the top 40 on several Independent weekly charts. Murray is a seasoned performer that has spanned virtually all genres of music throughout his Musical journey.
His first record deal was with an all blues label called Cherry Records with a band called Full Coverage International which was fronted by his little sister, ( Sheri Lynn.) The blues influence is still prominent in Murray’s Guitar, Harmonica & Vocal stylings. “It was a great experience to get to do some tracks with some of my heroes and label mates, including J.J. Malone & School Boy Cleve. This experience was way before the internet and cell phones,” says Murray. Although this band was on a blues label, it also involved a lot of live renditions of Rock cover tunes, which ultimately increased Murray’s guitar skills.
Somewhere between Blues & Rock Music came a little run in the country music market after being discovered and mentored to by Nashville music producer Brien Fisher in the late 80’s early 90’s. Fisher produced a song called School Days written and performed by Rich Murray which did result in a lot of regional airplay and exposure. Another song produced by Fisher, penned by Rich and sang by Sheri Lynn also received equal amounts of the same recognition from Indiana to Nashville, but at that time the Nashville scene just didn’t seem appropriate for a Blues influenced rocker. None the less Murray and Fisher continued to work together in the Music Publishing field until Fishers passing.
Murray eventually embraced the Country Music movement, and as a result continued to expand his guitar skills to include the twang thang, and even some performances on Pedal Steel. Outside of singer / songwriter gigs, Rich is also an honorary member of a few Nashville acts, including Truck Stop Honey & Grayson. Sharing the stage on whatever instrument they require on any given night. “Above all, I’m a songwriter” says Murray. “Living in the hills of Kentucky for the last few years has rekindled my love of nature and simpler times. The new album Hillbilly Soul Music is a great example of where I am in life right now.” Three chords and the truth for the most part, but the next release penned by Rich Murray, William Howard Lee III and Dane Clark titled I’m Gone (Raising Hillbilly Hell) will surely get the attention of NASCAR fans, no matter what genre they enjoy.