RICHIE FIELDS' BIO:
Richie Fields' earthy country baritone has already given this up-and-coming singer/songwriter three well-received singles and a number 1 music video for “Man Enough To Cry” (Y'all Wire). He's toured nationally, playing at many of the country’s most renowned venues, and is known for his energetic live shows. Now, with well-known producer, J. Gary Smith (Andy Griggs, Lonestar), Richie is ready to take his career to the next level.
Big changes are already taking place for Richie, who was named to the CMA's Who New To Watch list, and made his national television debut on Inside Music Row. In June, Richie made his Country Weekly debut as the magazine's "Who's New" feature, and he will be performing again this year in Nashville during CMA Music Festival week. Recent recording sessions with his new producer Smith have already generated the driving and emotionally-charged single, "When You Love Someone That Much." The track is the first release from Richie's upcoming CD, which is due for nationwide release this summer.
“I’ve always been driven,” says Richie. “And I’m fortunate to be working with talented people who share my passion for the music." Fields' passion drove him to devote all of his energies into writing and performing in January 2006. "It was a big decision," Richie says. "But not one I regret." Fields’ focus is paying off and the word is spreading about this talented entertainer who has shared the stage with the likes of the Kentucky Headhunters, The Lost Trailers, Joe Diffie, Keith Anderson, The Eli Young Band, Blue Oyster Cult, and this July, James Otto.
As a testament to the range of his talent, Fields took advantage of a unique opportunity this past spring when he recorded “I’m Not Afraid” with jazz pianist Matt Savage and various R&B artists in Florida. Grammy-winning producer Frankie Biggz (Christina Aguilera) helmed the multi-genre project, which was released in May and benefited the AID 4 AUTISM charity.
Richie’s as likely to seduce you with a powerful ballad as move you with an up-tempo country song; with just a few notes he’ll have you rocking, two-stepping, slow-swaying or crying in your beer. His music draws you in to the party and keeps you close ‘til the lights are low.
The recognition is gratifying for Fields, who says knowing what he wants has always been the easy part, and on the whole, he’s made getting what he wants look pretty easy, too. In reality, though, his success is the by-product of hard work. Richie credits his parents with instilling that strong work ethic in him at an early age and it paid huge dividends for him as a two-letter high school athlete (football, starting QB and baseball, 3B) who graduated from Swarthmore College with a degree in Economics. With his drive and talent, it's no surprise that Richie’s already making a name for himself with his music.
Fields has come a long way from the playing fields of his youth in Salisbury and Ocean City (Maryland) and Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. He now lives in rural Marriottsville, Maryland (west of Baltimore) on a few acres with his wife and children. “I’ve never been happier than I am right now. I’m in a good place,” says the entertainer. “I only wish the days were longer.”
LIVE INTERVIEW FROM MACON, GEORGIA 9.18.09:
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