Richard's Bio

Richard began teaching himself to play guitar at the age of thirteen. Even at a young age he loved the finger-picking style of Chet Atkins. At the age of sixteen, Richard dedicated his life to Jesus Christ and began playing guitar for a gospel singing group. In the late sixties and early seventies, Richard was playing lead guitar for a southern gospel group traveling all over the country. After his third son was born, Richard felt that God was compelling him to get off the road and become a full time dad and husband. For the next 25 years he worked in a local church and confined his music to his church and some occasional studio guitar work.

Now that his children are grown, Richard has ventured out again, fulfilling his calling to the ministry as a solo guitarist. For the past eleven years he has been playing solo instrumental concerts all over the United States. He has won over 38 major awards as a result of his playing, including "Instrumentalist of the Decade" from the International Country Gospel Music Association and three time "Artist of the year" with the Country Gospel Music Association in Branson Mo. To date, he has recorded six CDs and an instructional video. Richard's concert schedule has consisted of over one hundred twenty five concerts a year nationwide and in Europe. He plays each year as a guest for the Chet Atkins appreciation society in Nashville, and has performed with many artists such as Roy Clark, Charlie McCoy, Boots Randolph, Phil Driscoll, The Oak Ridge Boys, Charlton Heston, and many of the top southern gospel and contemporary Christian groups. His CDs are being played on radio stations all over the world and he is now touring worldwide. Here is what others have said about Richard's music:

"Kiser's performance transcends any single genre. His instrumental performance ranges from Southern Gospel to Spirituals to Contemporary Christian, to Traditional Hymns to Country Gospel....." Roanoke Times and World News

"His ministry is entirely instrumental in nature, and freshly unique in its delivery. His playing is professional in quality, but is very down home in presentation; creating an atmosphere of warm and personal worship and communion." Pastor Dennis Ritchey, Montgomery Brethren in Christ Church

"Once in a while a guitar player comes along that will make people sit up and take notice. Richard's playing did that for me. Very smooth and creative touch...." Doyle Dykes

"You're a good picker and I can hear Chet's influence in your playing...."Roy Clark

Richard is available to come to your church or special occasion to minister in concert and bring smiles to those who hear him play. Feel free to contact Richard Kiser Ministries for more information and a promotional packet.