Rickey Medlocke facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rickey Medlocke
Medlocke performing live in 2009 (with his customary Gibson Explorer)
Background information
Born	(1950-02-17) February 17, 1950 (age 75) Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
Genres	Southern rock, hard rock
Occupation(s)	Musician
Instruments	Guitar vocals
Years active	1969–present

Rickey Medlocke (born February 17, 1950) is an American musician. He is famous for being the lead singer and guitarist for the Southern rock band Blackfoot. He is also a long-time member of the band Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Rickey first played with Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1971 to 1972. During that time, he played drums and sang on some songs. These songs were later released in 1978 on an album called "First and... Last." After that, he went back to Blackfoot in 1972. In 1996, Rickey rejoined Lynyrd Skynyrd as a guitarist. He still tours and records with them today.

In 2008, Rickey Medlocke was honored. He was added to the Native American Music Hall of Fame.

Rickey Medlocke's Early Life

Rickey Lynn Green was born on February 17, 1950. His birthplace was Jacksonville, Florida. His grandparents raised him. His grandfather, Paul "Shorty" Medlocke, was a bluegrass musician. He taught Rickey to play a small banjo.

Rickey started performing on stage when he was only three years old. His musical skills grew a lot over the years. By age five, he began teaching himself to play the guitar. At age eight, he was playing drums in his grandfather's band. Over time, Rickey learned to play many instruments. These included the banjo, guitar, drums, mandolin, dobro, and keyboards. He also had a nice singing voice. He taught himself to sing and play guitar at the same time.

After high school, Rickey formed his first band. It was called Fresh Garbage. He was the lead singer and drummer. This band later changed its name to Hammer, and then to Blackfoot.

Rickey Medlocke's Music Career

Rickey Medlocke briefly recorded with Lynyrd Skynyrd in the 1970s. He was a session musician. This means he played for recordings but was not a full-time band member yet. In 1971, he sometimes played drums or sang lead on their songs. Some of these songs were "One More Time" and "Preacher's Daughter." He also worked on "Lend a Helpin' Hand" and "Wino." Other songs included "White Dove," "Comin' Home," "The Seasons," "Ain't Too Proud to Pray," and "You Run Around."

Sometimes, Rickey played drums alongside the band's original drummer, Bob Burns. But Rickey wanted to be a guitarist at the front of the stage. So, in 1972, he decided to start Blackfoot again.

Blackfoot's Success

Blackfoot began touring and creating hit songs. One famous song was "Train, Train." Rickey's grandfather wrote this song. Another hit was "Highway Song." Rickey and Blackfoot's drummer, Jackson Spires, wrote the lyrics and title. The band Blackfoot arranged the music, backing vocals, and guitar solos for this song. They also included songs written by others. Rickey stopped the group in the early 1990s.

Returning to Lynyrd Skynyrd

For a while in the 1990s, Rickey thought about doing other jobs. But in 1996, he got a call from Gary Rossington. Gary invited him to rejoin Lynyrd Skynyrd. This time, Rickey would be a lead guitarist and help write songs. Gary asked Rickey if he remembered how to play famous songs like "Free Bird" and "Tuesday's Gone." He also asked about "Workin' For MCA," among others.

Rickey Medlocke's Music Albums

With Blackfoot

With Lynyrd Skynyrd

• Street Survivors (1977) (He played drums and sang chorus on One More Time. These were recorded in 1971-1972.)
• Skynyrd's First and... Last (1978) (This album has early recordings from 1971 and 1972.)
• Twenty (1997)
• Lyve from Steel Town (1998)
• Skynyrd's First - The Complete Muscle Shoals Album (1998) (This also has early recordings from 1971 and 1972.)
• Edge of Forever (1999)
• Christmas Time Again (2000)
• Vicious Cycle (2003)
• Lynyrd Skynyrd Lyve: The Vicious Cycle Tour (2003)
• God & Guns (2010)
• Last of a Dyin' Breed (2012)

See also

In Spanish: Rickey Medlocke para niños