Artist Name: Rick Revel
Hometown: Henry, TN
What project(s) are you currently working on?
On August 15th, 2024 my latest album That Muscle Shoals Sound and my new single “Southern Man (In A Strange Land)” were released simultaneously. The album was recorded at the Wishbone Recording Studio in Muscle Shoals, AL. My record producer Billy Lawson, recently finished a couple of projects for T Graham Brown and Sammy Kershaw, so I am blessed to be working with such a renowned and respected producer.
The reason I chose Muscle Shoals over Nashville or any other location, is very simple. Muscle Shoals has its own distinctive sound and that is what I wanted to capture. My music as of late has more of an Outlaw Country/Southern Rock feel with some Blues and R&B throw into the mix. I wanted to work with the people who had been creating that kind of music since day one.
When I wrote “Southern Man (In A Strange Land)” it painted a picture of the world in which we live today. I have been involved in heritage preservation for many years, so the tearing down of historical monuments and statues bothers me. Those bronze and stone images are placed there to remind us of the good, the bad and the ugly of American History. Without a doubt the song will tug at your heartstrings and the melody will be stuck in your head forever.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?
I went to a Baptist church when I was a little boy and before each sermon the congregation would sing. I even sang in the choir when I was old enough. At age ten I got a plastic guitar for Christmas, which stirred the musician in me. By age twelve I was playing on stage every Saturday night. When I was fifteen I went to Nashville and did my first TV show and by then there was no denying I would be an entertainer for the rest of my life.
If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?
I was born and raised on a cattle farm in West Tennessee and as a matter of fact I live on the same farm this very day. Over the years I have lived in Nashville and other areas for business purposes, but my home is here on the farm. If I couldn’t do music, I would be a farmer/rancher.
What is your favorite downtime activity?
To some I’m a work-a-holic, so there is very little down time. As an independent artist, you have to work twice as hard as the artist who are on a major label. When I do get time off, I spend it all with my family once the farm work is done.
Who is your biggest celebrity crush?
I am happily married to my beautiful wife Cheryl, so I haven’t had a crush on a celebrity in years. When I was a teenager, I thought Tanya Tucker was hot stuff. We are close to the same age, so it was a natural attraction. I met her many years ago at a function in Nashville, but I doubt she would remember me. It would be nice to see her again though.
Who is your favorite sports team(s)?
I’m not a team sport kind of guy. I grew up doing some team roping with my uncle and traveling the rodeo circuit for a short period. Rodeo is my sport.
What is the last movie that you watched?
Tombstone with Kust Russell.
What is the last album you listened to?
Conway Twitty’s Greatest Hits
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Lynyrd Skynyrd/Second Helping
What is the greatest country song of all time?
“I’m So Lonesome” I Could Cry by Hank Williams Sr.
What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?
Natchez, MS
What is your favorite meal?
Anything Southern fried.
Who is your dream duet partner?
Alison Krauss
Who would you like to go on tour with?
Hank Williams Jr. We have similar styles of music
