Today we’d like to introduce you to Rich Berry.
Hi Rich, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started out at the age of 15 as a musician. My dad got me my first guitar in about April of 1964. It was something I immediately took to. My musical journey has lasted my whole life and given me some incredible memories. I played at teen towns and under age venues until I was out of school. At 18 I had to sign up for the draft. It was at the Liberty, Mo. draft board, which was one of the heaviest (as I was told) drafting in the country. At that time, you had to carry 15 hours a semester to be considered a full time student with a 1S classification. My 4th semester in school, after signing up, for a reason I don’t remember, I dropped 3 hours, leaving me with 12 hours. Suddenly reclassified 1A. So I scrambled to find a branch of service which, by my father’s advise, wouldn’t send to Viet Nam. I got in the Navy in July of 1969. After boot and school, they sent me to Viet Nam! My second year there (Yes, I signed up for another!) I tried out for Special Services as a musician. I was accepted, and the Army put a band together with 3 Army guys and myself. We were 2 guitars, bass, and drums. We spent 3 months traveling to all of the places the USO shows couldn’t go. A pretty interesting experience, to say the least.
After the service I did the normal start a family, work to support that family, but all the time still play anywhere from 2 to 5 nights a week. It wasn’t until 1995 that I met my 3rd wife (musician and wives are a tough match). She was not only willing to travel with me, but she started booking, promoting and arranging the details. I started playing in 11 states at mainly blues venues, blues festivals and concerts. I have met and got to know some interesting and sometimes famous people. I was involved in the King Buscuit Blues Festival 4 out of 5 Years. I went to the blues challenge in Memphis for 4 out of 5 years.In 2011 I was maybe feeling a little burned out and thought I would try my hand at another creative endeavor. After dabbling in different mediums, I was drawn (pun) to pen and ink. I used to play for art fairs for money. One was the Sunflower Fest in DeSoto, Kansas. One artist there who has become a good friend encouraged me to get in that show the next year. So I traded my performance for a spot in the show. To my surprise that year I took Best Of Show. That blew my simple mind. Anyway, that all leads me up to now. I have been a musician and artist since then.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It is always struggle (from my view) to work in the arts. Money has never been my motivation. I guess it is just the thrill of being creative and seeing your labors effect on other people. I have wondered sometimes where my next house payment was coming from, but not to the point that is ever stopped me. You know, damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In both my art and music I have always tried to be original. I take my inspiration form those that artists who I admire. You know, the ones who make me say “I wish I had done that”. But I must say that the inspiration is just a step on the ladder to trying make my own statement.
I put out 5 albums of all original music. In 2009, there was a website online that reviewed and judged music. Sorry I don’t remember the name at this point. Anyway, they picked my album Headin’ South” and Best Traditional Blues Album of 2009.
Ont he Pen and Ink side, I have an ocean of work which goes on and on. I cover many subjects. I have been told I have a natural eye for it. I don’t know how true that is, but I sure do love what I do and love doing it.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I don’t know that I would pick one thing. I guess most don’t know that I am a vegetarian. It is a personal choice. I hate what we do to animals and have decided in my later life that I have seen to much of it, and do not choose to support it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.richberrypenandink.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.berry.1829/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@artphony
