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Ricky Skaggs
Member Since 1982
The great Chet Atkins once credited Ricky Skaggs with “single-handedly saving country music.” Skaggs definitely had the credentials for this role: He was already an accomplished singer and mandolin player by his teenage years in Eastern Kentucky.
The child of a musical family, he entered the world of professional music with another future star, his friend Keith Whitley. Bluegrass pioneer Ralph Stanley took the young musicians under his wing in 1971. Stints with other top acts helped build Skaggs’ reputation for creativity and musical drive. Forming the band Boone Creek brought Skaggs to center stage, where he’s remained since.
Beginning in the late 1970s, Skaggs turned his attention to mainstream country music. With the release of Waitin’ for the Sun to Shine in 1981, Ricky moved to the top of the country charts. He remained there through most of the 1980s—earning a spot in Billboard’s Top 20 artists of the decade and Top 100 of the past 50 years. He garnered eight awards from the Country Music Association, including Entertainer of the Year in 1985, nine Grammy®’s, and dozens of other honors.
Ricky continues to actively tour with his band Kentucky Thunder while mentoring up-and-coming artists for his label, Skaggs Family Records.
Latest CD
Music To My Ears