Rick Brothers
Gretchen Wilson

When Rick Brothers moved to Nashville in 1999 from Appleton, Wisconsin he brought with him some very specific, if not lofty goals. He wanted to play on a nationally released record. He wanted to tour with an "A-list" act and most of all, he wanted to prove to himself that he could make a good living playing drums. His story, to this point, is a textbook case on how determination and perseverance can pay off — and pay off big.

Rick took his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Missouri (where he remembers sitting next to Sheryl Crow in several classes) and spent ten years touring with various regional acts. Eventually, we ended up in Wisconsin, where he managed a pro drum shop and taught drumming to numerous students. Even though he was enjoying success in his new career and with his own band, "Kid Gloves," Rick kept hearing the Music City's call. Thanks to many the encouragement of many friends and colleagues, Rick finally took the chance and headed for Nashville.

He landed a good "day job" but stayed very busy as both a live and session drummer — often working six or seven nights a week — and quickly built a solid reputation as a dependable, diverse and highly skilled drummer around town. That talent eventually earned him a string of fill-in gigs with several major country acts, including Jo-El Sonnier, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Doug Stone. He then landed a two-year stint with Ty Herndon, where he also served as bandleader.

As Herndon’s touring schedule slowed down, Rick too a job at Mapex USA as an inside sales and customer service representative. He continued to work night after night, playing local venues and building his reputation. While working for Mapex, he received the call that he had worked so long and hard for. The "Redneck Woman," Gretchen Wilson asked if Rick would audition for her touring band.

Rick got the job and overnight went from selling drums at Mapex to playing his own custom Mapex Saturn kit on an international tour with Sony Music’s hottest act. Rick is currently on tour with Gretchen, playing to sold-out arenas. The "Redneck Woman Tour" is currently opening for country music's biggest superstars, including Brooks & Dunn, Montgomery Gentry, Big & Rich, Martina McBride and Kenny Chesney.

Rick's success is truly an inspiration for all musicians, proving that if you don't give up and continue to dedicate yourself to your craft, anything can happen.