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| Dave and Mom |
Hello Everyone. I know you are going to enjoy this interview because it is from someone who has some real Kentucky roots, Mr Dave Hicks. I first met Dave in church in Kansas City, Missouri. Dave is a fine friend and musician, so just enjoy his musical journey.
BB: Introduction – Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
Dave Hicks: Yes. I grew up in Eastern Kentucky near the town of Ashland Independence MO.
BB: When did you get started in your musical journey?
Dave Hicks: [I always loved music. No one in my family played an instrument but the radio was always playing. Mom and Dad like Country Music and that is what I grew up listening to. Back then the country stations played a combination of country and bluegrass so I was exposed to both styles of music.
BB: What happened after that?
Dave Hicks: I separated from the Air Force after my first enlistment and moved back to KY. While I was there I was attending vocational school and one of the guys in school played the Dobro and the teacher played guitar. They would sometimes play at lunch and I tried to get the guy to teach me the Dobro. He told me he couldn’t teach me so I bought a guitar and basically taught myself to play by listening to and playing along with records. I would close myself in the bedroom and play along until
I could keep up. The first song I really learned was Rebel Soldier. My wife still hates that song because I played it so much. During this time I reconnected withBluegrass and that has been what I have mostly listened to since then.
I could keep up. The first song I really learned was Rebel Soldier. My wife still hates that song because I played it so much. During this time I reconnected with
BB: Where did you go from there?
Dave Hicks: I reentered the Air Force but didn’t really play much Bluegrass . I was heavily involved in church and mostly played Contemporary Praise & Worship music in church and small groups. Traveling around in the Air Force I played with a lot of different music but always preferred Bluegrass . I continued playing in church and a little bit of county/bluegrass when I could.
BB: How did you get into Bluegrass/Old Time/Other Music?
Dave Hicks: My Mom is probably one of the biggest Bluegrass fans in the world. So she and I have always kept up with the latest releases and talked about our favorites groups. I always loved it and played when I could. Then after settling in Independence Bluegrass almost exclusively (Thanks Bill). I have stuck with HABOT and have now been a board member for the last 2 years. Since then Bill and I started the weekly County Meadow jam which has now become the 4thFriday Picking in the Heartland Jam.
BB: What is your favorite Bluegrass Band or Artist? and who influenced you the most?
Dave Hicks: Being a Kentucky
BB: How many songs have you written?
Dave Hicks: That’s easy; None. I have written some additional verses to a few of the two verse songs that I play but never have been able to write a whole song. It is a goal of mine to do some songwriting someday.
BB: What advice would you give to young people wanting to get started in Bluegrass ?
Dave Hicks: Pick an instrument, find a good teacher and take lessons. I never did and many times have regretted it. Stay close to the music. Listen to a lot of different artist. Go to jams watch and listen. Play in groups to learn your timing and how to interface with others. Learn and utilize good jamming etiquette.
BB: Anything else you want to say to wrap up this interview?
Dave Hicks: Sure. Be serious about your music. That is practice and work on your craft but keep it fun. This music is great for enjoyment and relaxation but if it becomes a job you will resent it. I’m not a musician in the strictest sense of the word but I play an instrument. I’m not a singer but I enjoy singing. Most of all I love getting together with those who share my love for this music
BB: Thanks again to Dave for sharing his musical journey!
