At a 2010 Toby Keith concert in Aberdeen, Toby announced his guitarist Rich Eckhardt “from Baltimore.” I wondered how I could have missed such a talent for inclusion in this book. Upon contacting Rich, he explained that although Toby likes to introduce him as being from Baltimore, he actually hails from PG County, and spent his formative years performing in bands throughout the DC/Baltimore region. Rich’s groups in Maryland were the Bladensburg Madrigals (1977-79 variety), Full House (1979 Top 40/dance), Wild World Theme Park show band (1981), Eva Cassidy (1981-89 jazz/rock/standards), and Gratitude (1981-82 Top 40/dance).
Biography circa 2010 reprinted by permission from Rich’s website:
“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.
In 1989, 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 2005 Rich release his first solo effort “Soundcheck,” an instrumental collection of his original songs ranging in styles from the melodic acoustic ballad “Old Chanoanon River” and jazzy “Catalina” to the Jeff Beck inspired title cut. The critically acclaimed CD became an instant favorite among fans across the country.
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 2008 Rich began writing a monthly column called Shifting Gear for Premier Guitar Magazine.
In 2009 he released his 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. “Cottage City” was nominated for a 2009 Nashville Music Award.
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.”
