Rickey Medlocke: A Southern Rock Legend

Rickey Medlocke is a legendary American musician best known for his work with the Southern rock bands Lynyrd Skynyrd and Blackfoot. He is a multi-instrumentalist, playing guitar, drums, banjo, mandolin, dobro, and keyboards.

“Rickey Medlocke of Lynyrd Skynyrd” by Janet Dancer is licensed under CC BY 2.0 .

Medlocke was born in Jacksonville, Florida, and raised by his grandparents. His grandfather, Paul “Shorty” Medlocke, was a bluegrass musician who taught Rickey to play the banjo at a young age. Rickey started performing onstage at age three and began teaching himself to play the guitar by age five.

Medlocke first joined Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1971 as a drummer and vocalist. He left the band in 1972 to join Blackfoot, where he became the lead singer and guitarist. Blackfoot achieved success in the 1970s and 1980s with hits like “Train, Train” and “Highway Song”.

In 1996, Medlocke rejoined Lynyrd Skynyrd as a guitarist, and he has been a member of the band ever since. He has contributed to some of their most popular songs, including “Simple Man” and “Sweet Home Alabama”.

Medlocke is a highly respected musician and a beloved figure in the Southern rock community. He is known for his powerful vocals, his blazing guitar solos, and his showmanship. He is a true original and a vital part of the Lynyrd Skynyrd legacy.

Rickey Medlocke’s Guitar Style: A Blend of Blues and Southern Rock

Rickey Medlocke, a cornerstone of Southern rock, is renowned for his distinctive guitar style that seamlessly blends bluesy licks with powerful rock riffs. His playing is characterized by:

Blues Influence: Medlocke’s roots in blues music are evident in his soulful bends, expressive vibrato, and use of minor pentatonic scales. He often incorporates bluesy licks into his solos, adding depth and emotion to his playing.

Powerful Riffs: As a key member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Medlocke is known for his ability to craft memorable, hard-hitting riffs that drive the band’s songs. His playing is often characterized by thick, distorted tones and heavy rhythmic emphasis.

Slide Guitar: Medlocke is skilled at playing slide guitar, a technique that adds a unique texture to his sound. He often uses a bottleneck slide to create haunting, atmospheric melodies.

Showmanship: Medlocke is a dynamic performer who knows how to captivate an audience. His energetic stage presence and flashy guitar work make him a crowd-pleaser.

Medlocke’s guitar style has been a major influence on countless musicians, and his contributions to Southern rock are undeniable. His ability to seamlessly blend blues, rock, and country elements has made him a true legend of the genre.

The Guitars of Ricky Medlocke

Rickey Medlocke is known for his versatility and his ability to adapt to different guitar styles. While he doesn’t have a specific signature model, he’s often seen playing a variety of guitars, including:

• Gibson Les Paul: A classic choice for many rock guitarists, the Les Paul is a staple in Medlocke’s arsenal. He often opts for a Les Paul Custom with a Bigsby tremolo for added versatility.
• Gibson Explorer: This iconic guitar is known for its distinctive shape and powerful sound. Medlocke has been seen playing various Explorer models, both vintage and modern.
• Fender Stratocaster: While not as common in his setup, Medlocke occasionally uses a Stratocaster, particularly for more bluesy tones.
• Custom Guitars: Medlocke also owns and plays a number of custom-built guitars, which he has tailored to his specific needs and preferences.

It’s important to note that guitarists often switch between different instruments depending on the specific song or recording session. Medlocke’s choice of guitar is often influenced by the desired tone and playing style.

For a more detailed look at Rickey Medlocke’s gear, you can check out online resources like Equipboard: or just watch this video about his current guitar Collection.

Best Guitar Performaces of Rickey Medlocke

These are some of Rickey Medlocke’s best guitar performances, showcasing his signature style and captivating stage presence:

Rickey Medlocke – Freebird Solo – 6/3/16: This clip captures a blistering guitar solo from Medlocke during a Lynyrd Skynyrd performance. His fiery playing, complete with jaw-dropping bends and intricate licks, highlights his mastery of the instrument.

Rickey Medlocke Band – “Highway Song” – Blackfoot: This performance from Medlocke’s time with Blackfoot highlights his powerful vocals and gritty guitar riffs. The song is a classic of Southern rock, and Medlocke’s performance perfectly captures the spirit of the genre.

Rickey Medlocke Hall of Fame performance: This video captures a medley of classic Lynyrd Skynyrd songs, showcasing Medlocke’s fiery guitar solos and powerful vocals. His performance is a testament to his enduring talent and his place in rock history.

In addition to these performances, there are many other videos available online showcasing Rickey Medlocke’s guitar prowess. His ability to captivate audiences with his technical skill, soulful expression, and energetic stage presence is undeniable.