STORY:
Michael grew up in Nobel County Indiana, and Lima, Ohio the oldest of 9 children. He was raised in a Christian home. After receiving Christ as his savior at the age of four. He started listening to Gospel music on records. Such artist include Edwin Hawkins, Andre Crouch, Larnell Harris, and others. His mother remembers him listening to these records sometimes for up to 2 hours at even at the age of four. It was already apparent that Michael had an ear for music. At the age of 12 he bought his 1st guitar a Truetone for $4 from a friend down the street. He then started lead worship at his youth group. He continues to develop his songwriting ability drawing from the influence of Susan Ashton, Fred Hammond, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Wayne Kirkpatrick.In 1995 he graduated from Lima Senior High. He began serving in music ministry for next 12yrs as a Praise and Worship Leader and musician. As his ministry continued both inside the church and outside the church. He appeared on WTLW TV 44's Live Wire (Oct. 2008) local talent show and on their sharathons. The release of his debut CD Breakthru! Songs of Deliverance was featured in the Lima News May 2008 issue Tell Us More. The opportunities continued when he won a local songwriting contest for a theme song for a local talent show called "Wish Upon a Song".airing on WLIO TV 35. He also wrote a radio jingle for Happy Daz restaurants to hear the single (www.happydaz.com) now airing on both TV and radio over the entire Northwest Ohio region.
Michael now resides in Franklin, TN where he uses his talent to minister to churches and business events, weddings, music festivals across Tennessee. Most recently he sang backing vocals on Paris Delanes' new album to be released April 2010 “Writer Without a Pen” produced Bill Cuomo writer of the multi-platnium song “O Sherri” sung by Steve Perry. Michael Ricks is also the assistant Praise and Worship leader for Franklin Fellowship men's group hosted by Nascar Champion Daryl Waltrip. He was also an extra on the newly released spring 2010 TV Drama “Tough Trade”on the new Epix network. He was also recognized as Pucketts Rising Star's semi finalist in their songwriting contest in the fall of 2009 being nominated as People's Favorite.His newest EP project was produced and recorded by platinum songwriter Mike Noble formerly of Warner Chapel publishing whose songs have been recorded by Charlie Daniels,George Jones, Kenny Rogers to Brooks & Dunn, and Restless Heart. He has most recently received a Recording Deal at 13 Degrees Studios in Franklin TN.
To learn more about his calendar of events, or for booking information: Please call 615-635-9349.
You may also visit his website www.michaeljricks.com or email him at
michaelricksmusic@gmail.com
