RossKeyCountry

ROSS KEY COUNTRY "Resurrecting Music Row One Country Song At A Time" ...RKC QUICK FACTS ABOUT ROSS KEY • Vocals • Lead & Rhythm Guitar (6 & 12 string) • Bass • Dobro • Banjo (4 & 5 string) • Fiddle • Keyboard/Piano • Mandolin • Upright Bass • Entertainer • Musician • Singer/Songwriter • 30+ Years Professional Experience • Sold through ASCAP • Represented by BMI Nashville BOOKING AGENTS Terry Kelley • Terry Kelley Productions (AL) (205) 483-4074 • terrykelleyproductions@gmail.com Monique Roberts Booking Agency (NV) (775) 423-3803 • mrobertsbooking@gmail.com PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND INCLUDES: • COUNTRY CIRCUIT - Roy Campbell and the Nashville Sound • BLUEGRASS CIRCUIT - Lower 40 Grass • GOSPEL CIRCUIT - Vessels of God He has performed on stage with Willie Nelson and opened for Waylon Jennings, Alabama, Emmylou Harris, Ronnie Milsap, Jimmy Buffett, Hank Williams Jr., Freddy Fender, Joe Stampley, and numerous others. HONORS AND AWARDS • Third Palm Eagle Scout with Boy Scouts of America • Recipient of the distinguished Virginia State Dobro Championship • Boy Scouts of America Western Europe Music Ambassador (1976) • Earned a private audience with King Gustaf of Sweden during European Tour (1976) • Commendation and Recognition from the Musicians In Action Guild (2011) • Independent Country Music Association (ICoMA) 2012 "Best Musician" Nominee (2012) Key is a member in good standing with: • Country Music Association (CMA) • Independent Country Music Association (ICoMA) • Reunion Of Professional Entertainers (ROPE) • Nashville Musicians Club (NMC) - Honorary Founding Charter Member • Country Music Association Hall of Fame • Musicians In Action Guild TODAY Key is the CEO and founder of the Traditional Country Network (TCN). An organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Traditional Country music. It is a networking group of many high profile individuals which make up the charter membership. The members willingly provide support and their experience in helping up-and-coming artists in the genre and one another. Key hosts his own Traditional Country Music Show since the Fall of 2011 on lower Broadway, bringing acts onto his stage that promote, write and perform Traditional Country music, whether through covers, tributes and/or original material. Key hosts his annual Spring Fling, showcasing Traditional Country music artists and up-and-coming performers from around the world. This event takes place mid-May of each year. Key headlined the KIDS benefit sponsored by the Musicians In Action Guild of Nashville, Tennessee for children who are under the age of 18. Key and his manager, Brenda Porter, received honorary membership and a commendation for their dedication to the fundraiser, and recognition for their $500.00 contribution. (Nov. 2011) He hosted a fundraising concert for the Lebanon-Wilson County Humane Society which took place in August 2012 in Lebanon, Tennessee. BIO Born and raised in Lynchburg, Virginia, Ross Key was born with a God-given musical talent. While he will tell you he had to work at learning each instrument he plays, he easily acquired the basics of music. Until 2011, Key lived within a 20-mile radius of his hometown. Key's paternal grandparents told him he was a direct decendent (6th/7th generation) grandson of Francis Scott Key, the author of our nation's National Anthem, the Star Spangled Banner. His uncle, Tommy Dunaway, played in the band with Mel Tillis, so as a child, he was exposed to the world of country music. Key recalls meeting Tillis' daughter, Pam, when they were both small children. Ross was given his first guitar by an older brother at age 12 and by 15, he was teaching guitar professionally at a local music store. He had his first paid, weekly gig by age 15 with his band, Key and the MasterLocks. He performed live on a local Jerry Lewis Telethon, and hired to perform at a McDonalds’ Grand Opening at that age. At age 16, he traveled Europe with the Boy Scouts of America, performing before King Gustaf of Sweden, which earned him a private audience with the King. He also performed before other political figures of that time throughout Europe. Key earned his Third Palm Eagle Scout badge by age 18. A versatile musician, Key is an established professional entertainer, singer/songwriter and musician, incorporating his own material into his show which has garnered much attention from local and regional venues, radio stations, A&R’s, and record companies. 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. Key held the #1 spot for 24 months on ReverbNation’s local country music chart with his song, Saturday Night, and maintains a growing international fan base. Saturday Night still holds the #2 spot on his hometown country chart. In March and April 2011, Key debuted his talent in Nashville for the first time, performing in prestigious venues such as the Nashville Palace, Bluebird Cafe, and The Listening Room. However, it wasn’t until he attended a jam session in Lebanon, TN that he caught the attention of the then recently inducted CMA Hall of Fame, multi-platinum songwriter, Roy August. To-date, the pair have co-written songs for Key to record on a forthcoming album. His four week debut turned into a six week stay, having to return for another two weeks in May and June. In July 2011, Key officially moved to Nashville, leaving his native Lynchburg, Virginia for the first time. Key holds a degree in Drafting and Architectural Science from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia. He is a master carpenter, plumber, and electrician. WEBSITES www.rosskey.com www.ReverbNation.com/RossKey www.myspace.com/rosskeycountry www.facebook.com/rosskeycountry www.facebook.com/rosskey