Bio
Rick Jennings’ love of guitar began around age 10. Third-grade piano lessons provided an introduction to reading music, and Rick went on to spend his 20s playing music for a living. Along with his then-wife, a talented drummer in her own right, Rick stayed on the road playing Union gigs, mostly at Holiday Inns. He went on to play gigs with his band around St. Pete while also teaching guitar at music stores.
At age 31 Rick returned to college, earning a B.S. in Recording Industry Management with a music minor from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). Internships at Ronnie Milsap Music and later Billboard International provided an interesting perspective to the biz. As guitarist for MTSU’s Blues Crusade, Rick enjoyed the challenge of reading charts and working with a 20- piece Jazz Ensemble. As a recording tech employed by MTSU, Rick recorded, cataloged, and archived music programs and recitals. After a 1990 class in London, Rick traveled/toured England, France, and Holland, performing and busking along the way.
In 1996 Rick quit music for a decade. During that time he lived in the Nashville area, working at two local newspapers, founding Word Wise Publishing and also serving as a freelance photojournalist. In addition to newspaper photos of groups like America and ZZ Top, there were several A-list clients: Bill Monroe, Doug Dillard, Jack Pearson, Tootsies and Dean Markley.
During a visit to Florida in 2004, a bandleader remembered Rick and asked, “Are you pickin'?” The bandleader had a decent-paying steady gig and needed a guitarist. When that venture ended in 2007, Rick relocated a few miles north to enchanted Crystal Beach, an area filled with artists and musicians. Rick’s recently copyrighted tune, "Crystal Beach Boogie," is a local favorite and soon to be released on CD along with other originals and a few acoustic tunes.
In 2008 Rick heard Terry Premru play and became fascinated with fingerstyle guitar. He followed the Tampa Bay Fingerstyle Guitar Guild (TBFGG) at every chance. Listening to many solo fingerpickers — live and recorded — renewed Rick's passion for learning. With encouragement and a bit of guidance on players, practice techniques, learning methods and time- management, Rick now says, “I’m making progress and learning how to learn. I am honored to be in the company of such talented musicians.”
At age 31 Rick returned to college, earning a B.S. in Recording Industry Management with a music minor from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). Internships at Ronnie Milsap Music and later Billboard International provided an interesting perspective to the biz. As guitarist for MTSU’s Blues Crusade, Rick enjoyed the challenge of reading charts and working with a 20- piece Jazz Ensemble. As a recording tech employed by MTSU, Rick recorded, cataloged, and archived music programs and recitals. After a 1990 class in London, Rick traveled/toured England, France, and Holland, performing and busking along the way.
In 1996 Rick quit music for a decade. During that time he lived in the Nashville area, working at two local newspapers, founding Word Wise Publishing and also serving as a freelance photojournalist. In addition to newspaper photos of groups like America and ZZ Top, there were several A-list clients: Bill Monroe, Doug Dillard, Jack Pearson, Tootsies and Dean Markley.
During a visit to Florida in 2004, a bandleader remembered Rick and asked, “Are you pickin'?” The bandleader had a decent-paying steady gig and needed a guitarist. When that venture ended in 2007, Rick relocated a few miles north to enchanted Crystal Beach, an area filled with artists and musicians. Rick’s recently copyrighted tune, "Crystal Beach Boogie," is a local favorite and soon to be released on CD along with other originals and a few acoustic tunes.
In 2008 Rick heard Terry Premru play and became fascinated with fingerstyle guitar. He followed the Tampa Bay Fingerstyle Guitar Guild (TBFGG) at every chance. Listening to many solo fingerpickers — live and recorded — renewed Rick's passion for learning. With encouragement and a bit of guidance on players, practice techniques, learning methods and time- management, Rick now says, “I’m making progress and learning how to learn. I am honored to be in the company of such talented musicians.”
Resume
ExperienceWord Wise Publishing, '87- Present
• Photographer, Writer, Graphic Design, Layout, Web Design, Music Charts, Copyright Registration, Copy Editor, Manager Lebanon Democrat, Lebanon TN • Mailroom Supervisor, '98-2001; Oversee post press: Labeling, distribution/mailing, inserts, equipment maintenance/repair The News Examiner/ Gannett, Gallatin TN • Composing Room Supervisor, nights, '97-2001; Responsible for timely work flow all production aspects between Editorial and Press; proofreading; computer operations, updates, backups; photos/graphics, layout and quality control; machine maintenance/repair Intex Aviation / Delta Airlines, Nashville TN • Cargo Agent '95-96; Inspected, routed and shipped cargo worldwide; Trained by Delta in Hazardous materials and as forklift operator Video, Film, Radio & TVProduction; Behind the Scenes, Camera/ Set
• Sales Manager WCOR radio, Lebanon TN Write, create, produce and record commercials • Recording Technician, Wright Music Building 89-91 Keys to building; responsible for open/close, all equipment, setup, record each recital/show and archiving all media copies/distribution. • Cameraman, TV 66, Lebanon TN, '87-92 In studio; and on call freelance, covering various community events • Cameraman VSCC cable TV, '87-88 Work on campus TV shows; covered (18 months) county commission meetings • Set Carpenter, scene setup, Chapel Theatre, Lebanon TN Talent; In Front of the Camera: • Lorimar/Universal Studios, I’ll Fly Away, Covington, GA, Film Extra • Hank William's, NFL Monday Night Promos: Extra Scene Three Production, Inc.: • Featured Extra; National “Toyotathon” Commercial (Opryland) • Video: Marty Stuart, Tempted; Hobo 'guitar playing' clown • Video: Patty Loveless, Jealous Bone. Extra • Video: Rebecca Climer, Looking In Devil's Eyes: Guitarist Various Acting gigs: • Party Animals: Clown, Singing Telegrams, various characters • Vikking Players; Acting Competition Judge ‘87- 91 |
EducationMiddle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Bachelor of Science in Recording Industry Management, concentration Mass Communication; Minors: Music, Speech and Theater • News Editor, Sidelines (student paper) • Guitarist, Blues Crusade Jazz Ensemble • Internship: Milsap Lodge Hall Music Publishing • Internship: Billboard International Magazine, Nashville • Recording Technician, Wright Music Building 89-91 • M.T.S.U. 1990 Summer class in London, six weeks travel/tour; Busking: England, France, Holland Volunteer State Community College | Gallatin, Tennessee • Honor Roll, Dean's List, 3.85 GPA • Treasurer, Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society • Cameraman VSCC cable TV • Business Manager of The Settler (student newspaper) • Air personality and news reader at WVCP-FM Professional Organizations | Past and Present • NAPP, National Association Of photoshop Professionals, Adobe • NAMM, National Association of Music Merchandisers, Business member • AOPA, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Private Pilot • AF of M, Local 257 American Federation on Musicians, union • NAJE, National Association of Jazz Educators • TBFGG, Tampa Bay Fingerstyle Guitar Guild EQUIPMENT LIST
• 1951 Gibson L7 • 2000 Gibson ES175D • Martin D 15 Acoustic, 1998, LR Baggs electronics • Oscar Schmidt OU5 Koa Concert Ukulele • 2003 Godin Multiac Nylon SA • 2010 Made in USA Fender Stratocaster • 2003 Seagull S6, DiMarzio pickup • Prudencio Saez Classical, Made in Spain • Taylor 150e 12 string • Fender American Standard Jazz Bass, 2012 • Kala U Bass (Spruce top) 2017 • 1947 Kay C1 Upright Bass • 1949 Kay C1 Upright Bass • 1985 Peavey Patroit Bass • Ibanez AEB5 Acoustic Bass • Ibanez AEB10 • Fender Squire P Bass Special • Fender FM52e Mandolin • Stella Tenor guitar (early 60s) • Sitar • 1988 Yamaha FG 410E • Yamaha PSR 225 Keyboard • Hohner Accordian • Olds Recording Trumpet • 1929 Johnny Marvin Tenor Uke • Mesa Boogie 22+ (1992) • Peavey Classic 50 4x10 tube amp (1994) • Kustom "Charger" 150 watt bass amp • Music Man RD112 Fifty guitar amp • Peavey XR 600, 200 watt, PA Head • Behringer 1202 FX mixer • Samson UHF Wireless guitar system • Boss Pedals: digital delay, Tuner, Overdrive, Compressor, Blues Driver |
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© Rick Jennings 2012-2017. All rights reserved.
© Rick Jennings 2012-2017. All rights reserved.