Mike Gilland
At 5 years old, the life of young Ricky Skaggs was changed forever by a surprise gift from his Dad. The parents of the Country Music Hall of Fame musician were lovers of music, so Ricky grew up in the middle of the harmony. He learned from both parents to appreciate singing and listening to fine country music on Saturday nights, when they would gather around the radio to enjoy the Grand Ole Opry.
Back to that surprise gift…Ricky’s Dad purchased a $5 mandolin from a pawn shop and waited till Ricky was fast asleep before putting it on the foot of his bed. Next morning, Ricky woke up to find it, and he was overjoyed.
Even in the beginning as he plucked those strings, Ricky said that he just loved the sound that emanated from that small instrument. His father, a welder by trade, taught Ricky to play 3 chords—G, C and D. And Ricky took it from there.
A little over a year later, Ricky attended a concert by bluegrass legend Bill Munroe, whose band had heard that this young man could play the fire out of his mandolin. Ricky was invited onstage, and they put Bill’s mandolin around his neck, and Ricky’s stage career was born.
By age 7, he was playing on TV with Lester Flatts and Earl Scruggs, famous for their iconic playing of “The Beverly Hillbillies” theme song.
Faith in God is a strong part of Ricky’s life, and Ricky firmly believes that parents can help shape the lives of their children, as exemplified in his own life. The encouragement he received from his own parents made an indelible impression in young Ricky.
I recently had the privilege of having Ricky on my daily radio show, “Afternoons With Mike.” His recent Florida concert tour included a stop just yesterday at the “Orange Blossom Opry,” in Weirsdale…just north of The Villages.
Ricky said that those attending those events would experience a clean show, one that is suitable for children. In fact, he encourages parents to bring their kids to his concerts, allowing them to be exposed to live music performances that can awaken a love for music in their lives, as was the case in his own.
Over the years, Ricky Skaggs has been named to six halls of fame, including his inclusion in the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2018. His band that tours with him is known as “Kentucky Thunder,” and each member is an incredibly gifted instrumentalist.
Parents, be encouraged as you lead your children. You never can tell what impact may come from a $5 surprise gift.