Rick Medlocke (born February 17, 1950) is an American musician, best known as the frontman/guitarist for the Southern rock band Blackfoot and a member of Lynyrd Skynyrd. During his first stint with Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1971 to 1972, he played drums and sang lead on a few songs, later released on 1978’s “First and… Last.”
Medlocke rejoined Blackfoot in 1972 and returned to Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1996 as a guitarist, continuing to tour and record with the band. He was inducted into the Native American Music Hall of Fame in 2008.
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Rickey Medlocke Net Worth
Rickey Medlocke has a net worth of $3 million. He began his performance career while still in diapers, playing a miniature banjo at age three.
He taught himself to play guitar at age five and began playing drums in his grandfather’s blues band at age eight. Over the years, he taught himself to play multiple instruments, including the mandolin, dobro, and keyboards.
Early life
Rickey Medlocke, born Rickey Lynn Green on February 17, 1950, in Jacksonville, Florida, was raised by his maternal grandparents. His grandfather, Paul “Shorty” Medlocke, a bluegrass musician, taught him to play a miniature banjo. Medlocke began performing onstage at age three and taught himself to play guitar by age five, later playing drums in Shorty’s band at eight.
Over the years, he mastered the banjo, guitar, drums, mandolin, dobro, and keyboards. After high school, he formed his first band, Fresh Garbage, which later became Hammer and finally Blackfoot.
Career
Rickey Medlocke recorded briefly with the 1970s-era Lynyrd Skynyrd band as a session musician in 1971, playing drums and singing lead on songs like “One More Time“, “Preacher’s Daughter“, and “Lend a Helpin’ Hand“. He often played alongside the band’s original drummer Bob Burns but wanted to be a guitarist at the front of the stage.
In 1972, Medlocke reformed Blackfoot, producing hits like “Train, Train” (written by his grandfather) and “Highway Song“. He disbanded the group in the early 1990s. In 1996, he rejoined Lynyrd Skynyrd as a lead guitarist and primary songwriter.
Personal life
Rickey Medlocke formed his own band, Blackfoot, at age eighteen. A childhood friend of the members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, he guest-recorded on several of their tracks, providing instrumentation and/or vocals on songs like “One More Time“, “Preacher’s Daughter“, and “Wino“. He performed with Blackfoot throughout the 70s, 80s, and early 90s. In 1996, Medlocke was invited to join Lynyrd Skynyrd as a full member of the band.
Why Did Rickey Medlocke Leave Lynyrd?
Medlocke initially left Lynyrd Skynyrd because he felt he was not the right fit as a drummer for the group. He believed the band needed someone with more proficiency in that instrument, leading him to focus on his work with Blackfoot and later return to Lynyrd Skynyrd as a guitarist.
Conclusion
Rickey Medlocke’s journey from a young musician in Florida to a celebrated rock guitarist demonstrates a career built on passion, talent, and resilience. With a net worth of $3 million, his story is one of musical success and enduring legacy in the world of rock and roll.
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FAQs about Rickey Medlocke Net Worth
- What are some of Rickey Medlocke’s most famous songs? Medlocke is known for his work on songs like “Train, Train” and “Highway Song” with Blackfoot, as well as his contributions to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s music.
- Has Rickey Medlocke received any awards for his music? While individual awards for Medlocke are not well documented, his bands have received numerous accolades and recognition over the years.
- Is Rickey Medlocke involved in any other business ventures? Information on other business ventures outside of his music career is limited, suggesting his primary focus remains on his work with Lynyrd Skynyrd.
- How has Rickey Medlocke’s role changed in Lynyrd Skynyrd over the years? Medlocke transitioned from drummer to guitarist and has been a significant creative force within the band since his return.
- What has contributed to the longevity of Rickey Medlocke’s music career? Medlocke’s versatility, talent, and passion for Southern rock have cemented his status in the music industry, contributing to a career that spans several decades.
