Ross Key Country performs traditional country, bluegrass, blues, and gospel as well as popular country and will occasionally surprise his audience with a little southern rock. A versatile musician, Key is an established professional songwriter and vocalist, incorporating his own material into his show which has garnered much attention from local venues. Versatility coupled with a unique and distinctive style of his own, Key maintains a firm grasp on country music as it was performed by country music legends decades ago. His vocals range from soft and rasping to a hard, driving sound that creates an air of originality. Unlike many in his field, Key doesn't duplicate or mimic. He makes each song his own, performing those songs that touch his heart in some manner. PROFESSIONAL BIO Inspired by music greats such as Hank Williams Sr., Chet Atkins, and Willie Nelson; at the early age of 13, Ross Key picked up his first guitar. By 15, he strapped on his guitar, and auditioned without his parents' knowledge at a local bar near his home landing his first paying weekly gig. He was also teaching music at 15. In 1979, he toured Europe with the Boy Scouts of America, showcasing his musical talent before royalty in Sweden and elsewhere. Key has mastered 6 and 12-string guitars, playing lead, rhythm, and bass. He has won the Virginia state dobro championship. He also has mastered banjo, fiddle, upright bass, mandolin, piano, and drums. RKC prefers to play acoustic instruments, but enjoys playing his Fender Telecaster. Key has written and sold original material which has been recorded by groups such as the Statler Brothers and Larry Gaitlin. He's played with and/or fronted for, popular artists such as Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, Jr., Freddy Fender, Alabama, Emmylou Harris, Jimmy Buffet, Ronnie Milsap and many others. RKC later traveled professionally in the bluegrass circuit with Lower 40 Grass before leaving the band and moving his talents to the professional gospel circuit, playing gospel music around the country with the Vessels of God for 15 years. He left the music industry in 1992 to raise a family in Campbell County, Virginia. He has once again began playing as a solo act on the local music circuit with his lifelong goal once again focused on Nashville. He not only performs classic and current country/bluegrass/blues material, but also his own original material. Label: Buttonwood Productions Management: 20 South Promotions, Charlottesville, VA Personal Manager/Agent: Brenda Porter Availability: Stage, Festivals/Fairs, Theme Parks, Restaurants/Cafes/Bars, Parties (Private&Corporate;), Senior Centers, Coffeehouses, Libraries, Schools, Art Centers, Grand Openings/Re-Openings, Weddings, Funerals, Religious Events, etc. Ross Key Country is available as a solo, duo, trio, quad, or full-band booking. Performances can be customized to include personal favorites on request.
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