Ricky Skaggs: A Life Between the Strings, from Little Ricky to Country Legacy
In a heartfelt and wide-ranging conversation with Clint Black on Talking in Circles, legendary musician Ricky Skaggs opened up about his remarkable journey — from his childhood days playing mandolin in Eastern Kentucky to his revolutionary impact on country and bluegrass music.
From a Mandolin in Bed to Bill Monroe’s Stage
Ricky’s story begins in Blaine, Kentucky, where his father placed a small mandolin in his bed when he was just five years old. Within months, Ricky was playing gospel with his parents and performing at the local grocery store. But his defining moment came when neighbors urged bluegrass founder Bill Monroe to let “Little Ricky” onstage. At only six years old, Skaggs stunned a crowd by singing “Ruby, Are You Mad at Your Man?”—wearing Monroe’s own F-5 mandolin.
That night would become a legendary origin story — one that Bill Monroe didn’t quite remember years later. But for Ricky, it set the tone for a lifelong devotion to the roots of American music.
Redefining Country with Bluegrass Fire
Skaggs shared how, when transitioning from Emmylou Harris’s Hot Band to forming his own country group in 1980, he sought players who could “throw down” like a bluegrass band. He wanted solos to shine — not just in studio recordings but onstage. “I didn’t want to be just a crooner,” he said. “I wanted a band that played with me.”
That intention birthed hits like Highway 40 Blues, despite industry resistance. Radio executives warned against the song’s extended solos — mandolin, banjo, electric guitar, steel guitar — but Skaggs insisted on authenticity. “Put it out there,” he told them. “If they don’t like it, they don’t like it.” The result? A massive hit that set a new standard.
Producing Dolly Parton, Founding Skaggs Family Records
One of the most touching parts of the interview came when Skaggs recalled producing Dolly Parton’s White Limousine album. Dolly, ever the professional, recorded stunning vocal takes live with the band — many of which ended up on the final release. “She was so prepared. She knew how she wanted to sing it,” he said, admiring her blend of spontaneity and precision.
But as country radio drifted from Skaggs’ more traditional sound, he leaned further into bluegrass — forming Skaggs Family Records. With his band Kentucky Thunder, he brought bluegrass back to mainstream attention. Their debut album Bluegrass Rules! became a milestone, both musically and commercially.
A Reluctant Pioneer of the Digital Age
Skaggs also lamented the degradation of music fidelity in the digital era. “I always tell people, the reason young kids love vinyl is because it’s the first time they’ve ever heard stereo,” he quipped. MP3s, he noted, degrade audio by up to 95%. For an artist who once recorded on 78s and 45s, the shift is stark. “MP stands for Mighty Poor quality,” he joked.
Still Learning, Still Leading
Even today, with Kentucky Thunder at his side, Ricky continues to push himself. His young bandmates are relentless in energy and talent. “They want to fly,” he said. “And I have to keep up.”
When asked what song he’d like to sing in heaven and with whom, Ricky didn’t hesitate: Oh Come, Angel Band, with Carter Stanley. “That would just be awesome,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “Be the right place to do that.”
Legacy Set in Strings and Spirit
From mandolin child prodigy to country rebel to bluegrass elder statesman, Ricky Skaggs has lived a musical life few can rival. With reverence for his roots and a fire for the future, he remains one of American music’s most enduring and essential voices.