Rich Eckhardt is one of the most sought after guitarists in Nashville.
His ability to cover multiple styles has put him on stage with singers
ranging from Steven Tyler of Aerosmith to Shania Twain. Rich has been
playing lead guitar for Country Superstar Toby Keith since 1998.
Rich first became interested in music listening to the radio at a young
age. He acquired his first mail order guitar at 8 years old and began
to play and learn everything he could from the rock guitar idols of
the era. At the age of 10, he started his own neighborhood band with
his two brothers and a friend. They practiced in the basement and played
for teen dances and parties.
In1989, Rich made his move to Nashville, where his first performance
was on the world famous Grand Ole Opry. Soon after he was asked to join
country music hit maker Eddy Raven 
on
tour. From there Rich began a steady run of touring and recording with
artists including John Berry, Becky Hobbs, Rodney Atkins, Steve Azar,
Mel McDaniel, and Blake Shelton.
Always working steadily as a musician Rich has been fortunate enough
to perform with many of music’s top icons including Charlie Daniels,
Willie Nelson, Ted Nugent, Sammy Hagar, Merle Haggard, Steve Cropper,
Glen Campbell, Joe Perry, Delbert McClinton and Jerry Lee Lewis. His
touring has taken him around the world, performing not only in the U.S.
and Canada but also throughout Europe, the Middle East and Japan. In
2006 Eckhardt stretched out into the film world when he was asked by
Toby Keith to play the part of his guitarist in the Paramount movie
“Broken Bridges“. Rich has also appeared in over a dozen
music videos, two television commercials, numerous guitar magazines
including Guitar World, Guitar One, Premier Guitar and 20th Century
Guitar. He has even turned up on a billboard in downtown Nashville TN.
In 2005 Rich release his first solo effort. An instrumental collection
of his original songs raging in styles from the melodic acoustic ballad
“Old Chanoanon River“ and Jazzy “Catalina” to
the Jeff Beck inspired title cut “Soundcheck“. The critically
acclaimed CD became an instant favorite among fan across the country.
In 2008 Rich began writing a monthly column called Shifting Gear for
Premier Guitar Magazine.
In 2009 Rich released the much anticipated follow up CD Cottage City
Firehouse. On it he wrote “Bldg.55” from his experiences
in Iraq while entertaining U.S Troops in Baghdad He also threw down
on the quick pickin’ “Chicken Fingers” and paid homage
to fellow DC area legend Danny Gatton on the title cut.
Today, Eckhardt is extremely busy, balancing his hectic touring schedule
with studio sessions, and television appearances. Rich has performed
in nearly every major concert venue in the world, played on multi-platinum
and Grammy winning albums, entertained for three American presidents
and has been seen on most of the industry’s staple television
shows including the Tonight show and Superbowl XXXVIII.
Rich has been blessed in his career to work with some outstanding musicians
on some great projects. Here are some of them…
List of Artists
| Rodney Atkins |
The James Brothers |
| Steve Azar |
Toby Keith |
| John Berry |
Jerry Lee Lewis |
| Glenn Campbell |
Delbert McClinton |
| Eva Cassidy |
Mel McDaniel |
| Terri Clark |
Willie Nelson |
| Steve Cropper |
Mark Nesler |
| Charlie Daniels |
Ted Nugent |
| Scotty Emerick |
Eddy Raven |
| Ty England |
Blake Shelton |
| Fish Heads & Rice |
Connie Smith |
| Mickey Gilley |
Russell Smith |
| Tom Grant |
Chalee Tennison |
| The Hagar Twins (Hee Haw) |
Thrasher/ Shiver |
| Sammy Hagar |
Shania Twain |
| Merle Haggard |
Steven Tyler & Joe Perry (Aerosmith) |
| Becky Hobbs |
Jim Wise |
Video’s
Get Drunk And Be Somebody - Toby Keith
Broken - Lindsey Haun
Honkytonk U - Toby Keith
I Love This Bar - Toby Keith
Beer For My Horses - Toby Keith
Courtesy Of The Red White And Blue - Toby Keith
That’s When Country Comes To Town - Toby Keith
She’s Taking A Shine - John Berry
Change My Mind - John Berry
Mamma’s Green Eyes - Becky Hobbs
She Wants To Drive My Truck - Jim Wise
Keep It On The Country Side - Mario Martin
Album’s
Toby Keith - Greatest Hits 2
Amazing Grace “A Country Salute To Gospel” Volume II
Jim Hawley - Isn’t That The Way Of Life
Gordy Thomas - Better Late Than Never
Gordy Thomas - Best Bets
Rich Eckhardt - Soundcheck
Sean O'Brian Smith - Tapestry
Film & Television
| The Today Show |
Regis and Kelly |
| Ellen |
Celebrity Duets |
| The Tonight Show |
Paramount Pictures film "Broken Bridges" |
| National television commercial for Ford Trucks |
Jimmy Kimmel Show |
| Austin City Limits |
Rosanne Show |
| Music City Tonight |
Later Show (NBC) |
| Donnie & Marie |
ACM Awards |
| The Grand Ol’ Opry Live |
Craig Kilborn Show |
| Prime Time Country |
CMT’s All Access |
| Swiss National Radio Live |
American Music Awards |
| Lugano Notte (IST Italy) |
CMT Video Music Awards |
| CMT’s Flameworthy Awards |
On Stage (TNN) |
| San Remo International Blues Fest (Raiuno Radio) |
CMT’s Most Wanted Live |
| Nashville Now |
NBC’s Olympic All Star Salute (2002 Winter Olympics) |
