A Chat with Rick Revel (01.05.26)
Actor, author, graphic artist, historian, musician, singer, songwriter, but mostly an entertainer, Rick Revel is a paragon of creativity. Described by icon Loretta Lynn as the “…entertainer’s entertainer”, Revel captures an audience with moving melodies, poetic lyricism and a strong sense of simply making people smile. We speak with the US-based Revel about his album, That Muscle Shoals Sound, the single ‘Singing River’, memorable moments, and much more.
OSR: A cliche question, but how did you come to be a musician? What drew you to music? Was it something that simply happened, or an “I’m going to be a singer when I grow up” notion?
Revel: My sights were set to become a professional entertainer from a very young age. When I was a young child, I would sing along with every TV commercial that had a jingle, plus I grew up singing hymns in church. It was a natural progression. By age twelve, I learned to play the guitar and soon became a paid musician. By age fifteen, I was singing in Nashville, TN, on Country Music TV shows and writing songs for music publishers. I can certainly say it has been a lifelong pursuit.
OSR: You recently released your 2025 album, That Muscle Shoals Sound, with the track, ‘Singing River’. What can you tell us about the album, and particularly about ‘Singing River’? Is there a backstory at all?
Revel: I have been a fan of Muscle Shoals music since the 1970’s and have always wanted to record there. After years of recording solely in Nashville and even having a studio on Music Row, I decided to give the Shoals a try. The album That Muscle Soals Sound captures the vibe that was born in the Shoals. It definitely processes that distinctive Blues/Southern Rock feel with a splash of Outlaw Country.
‘Singing River’ is a heartfelt song that takes you on a journey back in time. The Cherokee called the Tennessee River the singing river, which ironically passes through Muscle Shoals. The lyrics carry you from the era when the Cherokee mourned their dead on the shores of the singing river, to the day of the Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash. By the end of the song, you are emotionally invested and reminiscing about every loved one you have lost along the way. I feel it is one of the most powerful ballads I have ever written.
OSR: A couple of months ago, you released a music video for ‘Singing River’. What can you tell us about the video, its filming and production?
Revel: The ‘Singing River’ music video has a strong cinematic feel for sure. So much so, it has won five film festival awards for Best Music Video. The opening scene takes place back in 1977, while I’m driving a classic Chevy pickup and listening about the Skynyrd plane crash on the radio. The next scene drifts back to the 1700’s when the Cherokee lived on the banks of the Tennessee River. The video is a historical journey that eventually brings you back to present day. If you like beautiful scenery, classic cars and American History, this is a must-see.
OSR: Tell us, what is more challenging: the melody or the lyrics, and why?
Revel: When I write, the melody and lyrics flow at the same time usually. The biggest challenge is to make sure you are writing something fresh and new. With thousands of songs being written and published daily, it keeps you on your toes. When I was in Nashville full-time, I listened to the radio constantly so I could write for the artists who were hot at the moment. For the past few years though, I don’t listen to the radio at all. I write what I feel God has planted within my soul to say. In other words, I don’t write for the publishers anymore; I write for me.
OSR: As a veteran artist, you must have had some memorable moments in your career. Is there a particular gig or something that is particularly memorable and significant to you? What is it?
Revel: Having the opportunity to work with Loretta Lynn is hard to top. She made me her entertainment director at her ranch in Hurricane Mills, TN and signed me to her publishing company in Nashville while I was still a teenager. When she took me on the road in her tour bus, I got to open a few shows for her. It was my first time to play in front of ten thousand people. She will always be the dearest friend I’ve ever had in the music industry.
OSR: If you could introduce a new listener to your music, what song would you recommend?
Revel: I know slow ballads are not as popular as songs with a fast beat, but ‘Singing River’ is my favorite. I love singing it in front of an audience and watching their response. It is amazing. The entireThat Muscle Shoals Sound album is packed with pure dynamite. Of the fifteen albums I have released over the past fifty years, my Shoals project is the best by far. All ten songs have won awards in the past year, so I am very proud of the project.
OSR: Do you feel that your music now is a good representation of where you are as a person and musician?
Revel: Yes, without a doubt, my music is at its best. But with that said, I try to make each new song I write my best yet. My greatest motivation is my children and my grandchildren, believe it or not. I write songs that will help them learn a little about history and to know what traditional music sounds like without AI influence. When you hear my latest album, it is me and my producer, Billy Lawson creating and playing all of the music.
OSR: What advice do you have for emerging artists?
Revel: While I was backstage at the Grand Ole Opry, Roy Acuff gave me the best advice when I was fifteen years old. He said, “Find what makes you different and build on that.” Finding what makes you different can be a task sometimes, but when you do find it, build on it. At the time, I was one of the youngest songwriters in Nashville, so I went with it and got results. As I got older, I found new things that made me unique and stand out from the crowd. Fifty plus years later, I’m an actor, author, historian, musician, singer/songwriter and the TV host of my own show, History Highway. Best advice is to never set boundaries on your abilities.
OSR: Do you have any upcoming tours or more releases? What does the future hold for Rick Revel?
Revel: My friend Gary Gentry, who wrote ‘The Ride’ for David Allan Coe, threw a song idea my direction for the 250th Anniversary celebration of America. I recorded it a month ago, and we are presently working on the music video. Me and Gary are pushing to get the song out in June, just before the July 4th celebration.
OSR: Finally, do you have a message for our readers?
Revel: As a Christian, I always say, “Know Jesus.” I am nothing without Him. As an artist, if you have never heard my music, now is the time. I am an independent artist who realizes he is nothing without his fans and listeners. Thank you for your support as my musical journey continues. And when our paths cross, let’s sit down and visit for a minute or two.
Many thanks to Rick Revel for speaking with us. Find out more about Rick Revel on his official website, Facebook, YouTube and Spotify.
This artist was sent to us by Nashville Entertainment Weekly.
