|
About Rick Devin
About Rick | Album Credits |
Film Credits |
Awards |
Memberships
|
Rick Devin
by Carl Cunningham
“Regardless of the environment or the trends, I have always tried to just be ‘myself’. Whether I was playing cowboy music or creating crossover techno in a studio somewhere, my music is always motivated by where my mind, heart and soul are at that time.” – Grammy nominated recording artist Rick Devin
From crooning Americana cowboy to classic rocker to ambient instrumentalist, Rick Devin has just about done it all.
Now entering his fourth decade as a musician, Rick has done so many things he almost can’t remember them all… Mountaineer and skier, commercial actor, horse rancher, movie locations manager, rambling Western troubadour, train box car rider, world traveler, hitch hiker, Grammy nominated recording artist. Rick was, literally, for a brief time in the 1980s, an honest to God…“Marlboro Man.”
As a working musician having played thousands of gigs in a multitude of countries and performing with some of music’s biggest names, Rick is fresh off his triple-Grammy 1st round nominated “Old School – Hits of the 60s & 70s.” He lives with his wife, Veracruz, on Ipanema Beach in Brazil, and has once again ventured in a very un-Cowboy music direction with 2008’s “Arcadia - A Return to Distant Lands”, a 2 time Grammy entry for 2010, and his second foray into ambient instrumental and World music.
For the past five years, Rick has devoted himself to songwriting and recording in the studio over live performances and touring. Even though there isn’t much musically or professionally Rick hasn’t achieved, that doesn’t mean he’s content with his past successes, or that he’s on the verge of hanging up his guitar and calling it quits – instead he works tirelessly creating new material as his heart, soul and sense of adventure direct him.
“I had nice success in the cowboy period of my life, but it was a while ago and I have embarked into other music genres and journeys since then, which have seen even larger rewards,” Rick shares.
Born in Massachusetts in 1960, Rick’s childhood was filled with family sing-a-longs and music. The family’s hi-fi stereo was the first of its kind in their neighborhood, and the sounds of Elvis, Sinatra, The Beatles, CSN&Y, and Simon & Garfunkel constantly wafted out of the Devin house. Rick’s love for music started at a young age. Growing up, he was hamming it up on family home movies - some of them showing Rick as young as four years old, singing and dancing along to “I Want To Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles. Rick started guitar lessons at nine years old, but says he quickly progressed to learning additional styles and techniques on his own.
Rick’s numerous singing parts in elementary school theatrical productions led to a confident stage presence, a growing guitar collection, dedicated self-teaching to learn the instrument, and a collection of over two dozen original songs all by the age of 13. Rick performed in his junior high and high school stage bands and played shows locally with his own five-piece band.
At almost 19 years old, Rick left home and moved one town over, working at a local ski shop and performing with his band & friends, while he commuted to Boston to finish his electronic engineering degree. It was the first of nearly two dozen moves Rick would make in the next 30 years including the Canadian Rockies, Washington state, California, Nevada and Colorado. Each town, Rick says, was a “wanderlust search for my dreams... Music, skiing, horses and adventure.”
Rick’s career began to take off when, in 1980, he made his first television appearance as a guest on The Glen Campbell Christmas Special. Within the next two years, Rick experienced his first recording studio session, and the first airing of his songs on the radio. Rick also contracted his first radio and television jingles, and won his first songwriter award. On a personal level, Rick’s sons, Jonathan and Rick, were born in 1982 and 1983 respectively.
In 1985, Rick became a “Cowboy Singer” and developed a family oriented, acoustic campfire show, opening for Sons of the San Joaquin, Riders in the Sky and many others. As the 90s came along, Rick formed the Greenbroke Band and The Eagle River Band and began touring the western United States with original and cover country/western and country/rock songs. Five years later, Rick joined Michael Martin Murphey at WestFest, where he also performed with The Dixie Chicks, Jim Messina and others. Rick and Michael Martin Murphey opened “The Singing Cowboy Ranch” in Nathrop, Colorado in 2001, the same year Rick was nominated for WMA “Entertainer of the Year.” Between 1982 and 2009, Rick has won or been nominated for a number of music industry and songwriter awards. His 1st round Grammy nominated “Old School” release earned a Gold Record for 500,000 download sales and Rick's recent "Arcadia - A Return To Distant Lands" was just announced as a 1st round Grammy nomination for the 2010 Awards.
Rick currently collaborates on recording projects with Chet McCracken (former Doobie Brothers and Joe Walsh drummer) and Chris Pinnick (former lead guitarist with Chicago and Three Dog Night) and songwriting projects with Alvaro Socci (Brazil’s #1 songwriter). In his many years as a musician, Rick has opened for or performed alongside Glen Campbell, Willie Nelson, Tanya Tucker, Loretta Lynn, Joe Cocker, Pat and Debbie Boone, Minnie Pearl, Kris Kristofferson, Pete Seeger, Bill Miller, Suzy Bogguss, and Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul and Mary) and countless other influential and well known musical acts.
After meeting and marrying his Brazilian wife and moving to her native country, Rick’s tropical locale seems like a long way from his humble Massachusetts beginnings, but much like his cowboy crooner period and recent instrumental musical direction, it is all evidence of the natural progressions and sense of adventure still guiding his life and his music.
“The music I make is an ‘audio snapshot’ of where I am at any given moment as a musician and as a human being,” Rick says. “If you were to put my recording projects end to end they weave a timeline of growth” just like life – full of experiences and memories. Rick’s music over the years has included themes of insight, hope, inspiration and contemplation. His latest musical creations, he says, focus more on adventure, world awareness and cultural differences.
Whatever musical phase of life that he has encountered, Rick says one other principle in addition to always being yourself has motivated him, personally and musically over the years. In “Give It My Best,” one of his original compositions, Rick sings of redemption and having no regrets when his time comes.
...Standing at the Pearly Gates, Saint Peter checks his list,
Said, ‘Son you can go on through, you always gave your best'...
Rick Devin has given the music world his best since taking the stage in 1972, and as he prepares to record his ninth solo album, Rick’s future music is sure to be as expansive and grand as the American West he loves so much, and as fantastical and inspiring as the distant lands of his recent anbient releases. Whether you are a fan of Rick Devin’s Cowboy music, his classic rock releases or his ethereal and awe-inspiring World music, we are all eagerly awaiting what new musical directions and adventures this veteran melody maker, multi-instrumentalist and master balladeer will take us on in the future.
[Carl Cunningham is a Texas based freelance music journalist who has written biographies and feature stories about artists such as Elton John, Neil Young, Tracy Byrd, Foo Fighters, Little Richard, Dido, Willie Nelson, Peter Frampton, Merle Haggard, Janis Joplin's band Big Brother & the Holding Co., Chuck Berry and many more.]
Top
|
|
Commercially Released Album Credits
1982 “ My Favorites ” - Cassette - Rodji Music Productions
Credits : Rick Devin – Arranger, Performer, Vocals, Instrumentation
1992 “ Kaleidoscope Of Emotions ” - Caleb Whittington - Cassette - Greenbroke Productions
Credits : Rick Devin – Performer, Vocals, Instrumentation
1995 “ Colorado Reflections” - Cassette - Peak Productions & Resourceful Recordings
Credits : Rick Devin – Producer, Author, Composer, Arranger, Performer, Vocals, Back Vocals , Instrumentation
1999 “ Colorado Cowboy” - CD - Red Cloud Records
Credits: Rick Devin – Co-Producer, Photography, Author, Composer, Arranger, Vocals, Instrumentation
2001 “Oasis Country Vol. 1” Various Artists - CD - Oasis Records
Credits: Rick Devin – Arranger, Performer: Song: Track14. Colorado Trail
2002 “Row Of Doors” - CD - Red Cloud Records
Credits: Rick Devin – Co-Producer, Photography, Author, Composer, Arranger, Vocals, Instrumentation
2003 “Cowboy Classics” - CD - Red Cloud Records
Credits: Rick Devin – Producer, Photography, Author, Composer, Arranger, Vocals, Back Vocals, Instrumentation
2003 “Oasis Country Vol. 4” Various Artists - CD - Oasis Records
Credits: Rick Devin – Author, Composer, Performer: Song: Track 14. Row Of Doors
2004 “Oasis Country Vol. 5” Various Artists - CD - Oasis Records
Credits: Rick Devin – Arranger, Performer: Song: Track 14. Oh, Susanna
2005 "Rick Devin - Live From The Trail” DVD - Stray Horse Productions
Credits: Rick Devin – Exec. Producer, Author, Composer, Arranger, Actor, Performer, Instrumentation
2006 “Distant Lands - An Instrumental Journey" - CD - Red Cloud Records
Credits: Rick Devin – Producer, Performer, Engineer, Photography, Author, Composer, Vocals, Instrumentation
2007 “Old School - Hits Of The 60s & 70s " - CD - Red Cloud Records
Credits: Rick Devin – Producer, Performer, Engineer, Arrangements, Vocals, Instrumentation
2007 “Oasis Rock & Roots Vol. 5” Various Artists - CD - Oasis Records
Credits: Rick Devin – Arranger, Performer: Song: Track 14. California Dreamin'
2008 “Arcadia - A Return To Distant Lands " - CD - Red Cloud Records
Credits: Rick Devin – Producer, Performer, Engineer, Composer, Instrumentation
Top
|
|
TV, Film & Commercial Credits
1980 “The Glen Campbell & Tanya Tucker Christmas Special”
Starring: Glen Campbell, Tanya Tucker, Loretta Lynn, Pat & Debbie Boone, Minnie Pearl, & more
CBS - TV Holiday Special
Credits: Rick Devin – Special Guest, Extra - Sunshine Village, Alberta, Canada
1981 “Rodji Music”
Commercial Radio Jingle
Credits: Rick Devin – Music: Composer, Author, Arranger, Performer, Instrumentation
Songs: "Rodji Music - 1" , Words & Music By: Rick Devin, 1981,
Performance & Arrangement By: Rick Devin, Buffalo Peak Publishing Co. © 1981 ASCAP
1981 “Rodji Music”
Commercial Radio Jingle
Credits: Rick Devin – Music: Composer, Author, Arranger, Performer, Instrumentation
Songs: "Rodji Music - 2 " , Words & Music By: Rick Devin, 1982, Performance & Arrangement By: Rick Devin, Buffalo Peak Publishing Co. © 1982 ASCAP
1983 “Warren Miller's - Ski Time”
Warren Miller (Director & Narrator)
Credits: Rick Devin – Skier - Squaw Valley, CA
1984 “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”
Steven Spielberg (Director) George Lucas (story) Willard Huyck (screenplay)
Lucas Films & Paramount Pictures
Movie Awards: Won Oscar. Another 4 wins & 17 nominations
Credits: Rick Devin – Assistant Locations Manager: California Unit
1984 “Marlboro” Commercials
Old West Film Outfitters - California
Philip Morris Co. LTDA
Credits: Rick Devin – Assistant Locations Manager, Animal Handler, Set Design, Actor
1985 “The Golden Child”
Michael Ritchie (Director) Dennis Feldman (story & screenplay)
Eddie Murphy Productions, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Paramount Pictures
Awards: 2 nominations
Credits: Rick Devin – Assistant Locations Manager: California Unit, Animal Handler
1985 “Marlboro” Commercials
Old West Film Outfitters - California
Philip Morris Co. LTDA
Credits: Rick Devin – Assistant Locations Manager, Animal Handler, Set Design, Actor
1985 “Ford” Commercials
Old West Film Outfitters - California
Ford Motor Company
Credits: Rick Devin – Assistant Locations Manager, Set Design
1986 “Audi” Commercials
Old West Film Outfitters - California
Audi AG
Credits: Rick Devin – Assistant Locations Manager, Set Design
1986 “Marlboro” Commercials
Old West Film Outfitters - California
Philip Morris Co. LTDA
Credits: Rick Devin – Assistant Locations Manager, Animal Handler, Set Design, Actor
1989 “Ford Trucks ” Commercials
Ford Motor Company - Nevada
Credits: Rick Devin – Actor
1999 “The Colorado Trail Foundation”
Promotional Advertising Film for Non-Profit Organization
Credits: Rick Devin – Music: Arranger, Performer, Instrumentation
Songs: "Colorado Trail" , P.D., Performance & Arrangement By: Rick Devin, Buffalo Peak Publishing Co. © 2000 ASCAP
2001 “Michael Martin Murphey's Singing Cowboy Ranch”
Travel Channel - Television Commercial
Credits: Rick Devin – Music: Arranger, Performer, Instrumentation
Songs: "Colorado Trail" , P.D., Performance & Arrangement By: Rick Devin, Buffalo Peak Publishing Co. © 2000 ASCAP
2001 “The Myths and Legends of the American Cowboy” - The Trails of John Wayne and John Ford
Starring: Michael Martin Murphey, Harry Carey Jr. & Rick Devin - Monument Valley, UT/AZ
Discovery Channel Productions
Credits: Rick Devin – Actor, Live Music Performer - Song: "Night Rider's Lament" , Words & Music By: Michael Burton,
Performance & Arrangement By: Rick Devin, Buffalo Peak Publishing Co. © 2001 ASCAP, Animal Handler, Set Design
2004 “We need hobbies”
Feature Film by Matthias Luthardt, Berlin-Babelsberg Productions, Germany
Credits: Rick Devin – Music: Arranger, Performer, Instrumentation
Song: "Oh, Susanna", Words & Music By: Steven Collins Foster, 1860, P. D.,
Performance & Arrangement By: Rick Devin, Buffalo Peak Publishing Co. © 2003 ASCAP
Top
Awards and Nominations
1978 Eagle Scout Award
1982 Nevada Songwriters Association Songwriter Recognition Award -Winner
2001 Western Music Association Entertainer Of The Year - 1st Round Nominee
2004 Academy Of Western Artists Entertainer Of The Year - 1st Round Nominee
2004 Academy Of Western Artists Album Of The Year - 1st Round Nominee
2004 Academy Of Western Artists Song Of The Year - 1st Round Nominee
2004 Academy Of Western Artists Male Vocalist Of The Year - 1st Round Nominee
2004 Academy Of Western Artists Yodeler Of The Year - 1st Round Nominee
2004 Academy Of Western Artists Rising Star Award - 1st Round Nominee
2005 American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers ASCAPlus Award -Winner
2006 Just Plain Folks Music Awards Song Of The Year - 1st Round Nominee
2006 American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers ASCAPlus Award -Winner
2007 Just Plain Folks Music Awards Album Of The Year - 1st Round Nominee
2007 American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers ASCAPlus Award -Winner
2007 Independent Music Awards Album Of The Year - 1st Round Nominee
2007 Academy Of Recording Artists International Gold Record -Winner
2008 American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers ASCAPlus Award -Winner
2008 Grammy Awards Best Pop Vocal Album - Entry
2008 Grammy Awards Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist - Entry
2008 Grammy Awards Best Recording Package - Entry
2009 American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers ASCAPlus Award -Winner
2010 American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers ASCAPlus Award -Winner
2010 Grammy Awards Best Pop Instrumental Album - Entry
2010 Grammy Awards Best Pop Instrumental Performance - Entry
Top
Current Memberships
NARAS - National Academy Of Recording Arts And Sciences – (Grammys)
ASCAP - American Society Of Composers, Authors And Publishers
RIAA - Recording Industry Association of America
AMA - The Americana Music Association
RMA - Roots Music Association
JPF - Just Plain Folks Music Association
NAFM - North American Folk Music & Dance Alliance
AWA - Academy Of Western Artists
WMA - Western Music Association
Bands
1968-1970 - "The 3Ds" - Members: David Davenport, Rick Devin, Jimmy Dorman
1971-1975 - "The Band" - Members: Lisa Beauvais, Rick Devin, Sharon Devin, Danny Hart, Eddy Kickorian
1981-1990 - "Mountain Madness" - Members: Rick Devin, Chris Irwin
1991-1995 - "The Greenbroke Band" - Members: Rick Devin, Don Pennington, J.J. Sickler, Caleb Whittington
1995-2001 - "The Eagle River Band" - Members: Rick Devin, Dennis Grieve, Don Pennington, J.J. Sickler, Caleb Whittington
2001-2005 - "The Rick Devin Band" - Members: Joe Bowman, Rick Devin, Barry Gordon, Bill Martinez, Don Pennington, Paul Sadler III
2006-2007 - "The Rick Devin Band" - Members: Rick Devin, Chet McCracken, Chris Pinnick, Maria Fernanda Ricart, Manoel da Souza
2007-2010 -
Collaborations
with: Chet McCracken, Chris Pinnick, Alvaro Socci
Born
July 5, 1960 in Braintree, Massachusetts, USA to Pat & Jack Devin
Top |
|
|
|
