Hitmakers Series with Ricky Ray, Dave Gibson & Karen Staley $20- 1.15.26
Ricky Ray
Ricky Ray, a true guitar prodigy born in Alabama, began mastering slide guitar at the astonishing age of three, perched on his great-grandmother's lap as she played with a butter knife. Hailed as a "guitar player's guitar player," he's toured nationally with legends like Tom T. Hall—earning the nickname "Rambles"—and even performed in the White House East Room for President Jimmy Carter on the very day Elvis Presley passed away. His soulful playing and songwriting have powered hits recorded by icons including George Strait, Waylon Jennings, Etta James, Tony Joe White, The Band (Levon Helm), and Kenny Rogers, blending raw Muscle Shoals roots with Nashville brilliance.
A versatile powerhouse as guitarist, producer, singer-songwriter, and innovator, Ricky co-wrote classics with Dobie Gray and built his own analog studio in a Franklin log cabin, later pioneering the portable "ICESICKLE Sound" rig for year-round outdoor recordings amid nature's inspiration. With collaborations spanning Ruth Brown, Maria Muldaur, B.J. Thomas, and Rolling Stones sax man Bobby Keyes—plus co-producing tribute episodes for Waylon Jennings and more—Ricky Ray embodies rock 'n' roll spirit: "ROCK N ROLL is RAMBLES RICKY RAY!!!"
Dave Gibson
In a business that is both cut throat and volatile, award-winning singer-songwriter and entrepreneur Dave Gibson consistently proves that hard work pays off and nice guys do get their just rewards. Born in El Dorado, Arkansas and raised in Odessa, Texas, Gibson grew up loving music and, in particular, songwriters. Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison were two Texans who most influenced his vocal stylings, and later Elvis Presley’s dynamic and commanding performances gave Gibson something more to strive for. By 1982, the restless, self-proclaimed musician was determined to get someone, anyone, to listen to the collection songs he’d cobbled together, and consider him as a serious writer and entertainer. He patched up a rickety Ford van and headed east to Nashville armed with raw talent, determination and an infectious personality. A keening baritone with a wry sense of humor, Gibson was always drawn to the story-telling part of country music, and loved to deliver a surprise last line with his signature guffaw. It wasn’t long before the jaded office doors of Music Row creaked open and Gibson found himself in front of an array of power brokers, including producers Tony Brown, Norro Wilson, Oak Ridge Boys, Duane Allen, and eventually, Doug Johnson. He landed a publishing deal with The Oak Ridge Boy’s company, Silverline Music, and began co-writing with a who’s who of hit makers. The industry soon began to take notice of this fledgling writer and he started getting cuts by Steve Wariner, Joe Diffie, Confederate Railroad, Tanya Tucker, Alabama, Pam Tillis, and Montgomery Gentry. He earned six number ones, and Alabama’s “Juke Box in My Mind” stayed at number one for an impressive four weeks. Dave soon became a much sought after writer and writing partner in Nashville.
Karen Staley
Karen Staley was born in Weirton, WV and was raised in nearby rural Hookstown, PA in the Tri-State area of WV/PA & OH. She is a 30 year veteran of the Nashville music industry & habeen involved in virtually every facet of the business from songwriting & performing to touring, recording & producing. Karen’s #1 songs have been played on radio over 12 million times & counting. Those songs have collectively sold more than 20 million albums, singles, and downloads. Karen is one of the original mainstays at the Bluebird Café, the now iconic listening room popularized by the ABC TV show Nashville. She is also one of the pioneers of the “In The Round” format for shows. Her songs have not only been recorded by modern stars like Faith Hill, Reba, Trick Pony, Terri Clark & Tracy Byrd but also by icons & legends such as George Jones, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, Conway Twitty & Brenda Lee.
As a guitar player & background singer Karen has toured with Faith, Reba, Patty Loveless, Terri Clark & Russ Taft. Karen is also a sought after studio session singer as well as demo producer. Karen’s songs have been nominated for Dove, Grammy, & International Bluegrass Awards & Karen won the ACM Song of The Year award with Tracy Byrd's classic Keeper of the Stars which was also featured on CMT's 100 Greatest Country Love Songs of All Time TV special.
Show at 7:30 pm, $20 cover charge, BOOK ONLINE or call 615-794-5527 for dinner reservations.
We don’t want y’all to miss out on the music, so when booking your online reservation for a show, please be sure to select the correct date for the show you are wanting to attend. The default setting is to automatically select today’s date. Thanks for spending your evening with us!