If you ask Rick Credit of Smokehouse - “Who first inspired you to play music?” – the answer you get may surprise you. In an era where most country singers cite Johnny Cash, or Merle Haggard, or George Jones- Rick will tell you matter- of –factly; “His name was Barry Lee”.
It seems Barry Lee and Rick met at the age of 6 years old- first grade to be exact. Barry walked up, introduced himself, and said- “punch me right here”.
Rick looked at him in disbelief, but, eager to prove himself, Barry egged him on.
So what did he do, you wonder? Again, just as matter-of-factly Rick says “I punched him” and begins to laugh. That was 40 or so years ago- and Rick still counts Barry as one of his closest friends.
After that less than stellar start to what has become a life-long friendship – the two discussed hobbies and things they wanted to do when they got older. Barry was learning guitar, and got Rick interested, too. At the age of twelve, Rick’s aunt Lois taught him two chords on an old beat up guitar; a few years later, after some time away- Barry was back, and playing guitar better than ever. Rick paid attention, and was soon accomplished enough to play for more than just his bedroom walls. He applied his strong work ethic to improving his guitar skills, and his voice, and when Smokehouse needed a new singer and acoustic guitar player, they went looking for Rick.
When you ask Rick who is his strongest influence today in his music- again the answer is not what you’d expect. It isn’t Alan Jackson, or Tim McGraw. With a wry smile he will tell you- it‘s the other members of Smokehouse. He admits to not having ‘any ear for harmony’ when he joined the band, and credits the rest of the band with showing him how to listen and create the award-winning harmonies that have made Smokehouse one of Connecticut’s most respected and widely recognized bands.
This past year he also chased a personal goal- and competed for the title of Male Vocalist, New Country in the CCMA state competition. Armed with just his guitar and his voice, and cheered on by bandmates, family and friends – he took the title in Connecticut and went on later that year to win the New England Regional competition as well.
All in all, he feels blessed to be able to play his music on stages throughout New England and states “what’s not to like about this? I get paid to have fun doing what I love”.
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