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Rick Knowles is an award winning songwriter, singer, and musician from Monticello, Florida. His song "Taking the Long Road Home", won the Directors Award of Merit in the Paramount Groups Nashville International 2004 Valentines Song Lyric Contest. His song "Down in Mexico",(included on his CD "These Country Blues") was a 2004 Honor Award Winner in the country music category of the Songwriters Resource Network, Great American Song Contest. He is locally known for his "In-laws & Outlaws Band". They won the 2004 Band Entertainer of the Year award at the Florida Forest Festival in Perry, Florida. Ricks children's song, "I LOVE MY DUCKIE" was chosen to be on the CD "Catching Smiles" for Whole Child Leon, The United Way and the Lawton Chile's Foundation. Rick wrote the song for his daughter, never dreaming that it would be on a CD that helps to support and promote programs for children. Over the years Rick has had the pleasure to perform with many talented singers, songwriters and musicians. Such as The Purvis Brothers/ Encore, Sammy Tedder award winning saxophonist, flutist and soundtrack composer for nature documentaries, Hurricane Dave, Grammy nominees Fishbone Fred and Josh Noland. Rick has also had the privilege of performing opening songs on several occasions for World Famous Musician, Television Star, Grammy Award Winner and Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie McCoy. Charlie McCoy the greatest harmonica player in the world also lends his talents as a guest musician on Ricks new Gospel CD, "Turn It Up Gospel". Ricks CD "These Country Blues" consists of original songs that Rick has written and has been getting very good reviews. The CD was also featured on Australia's "Stone Cold County" Radio Program. Ricks music is being played on several AM, FM and Internet radio stations. A list of these stations can be found on Rick's website. His music is also available at CD Baby, iTunes, and other on line stores. Additional locations can also be found on Rick's website. Rick has written many songs over his musical career. Rick writes all genres of music, Blues, Country, Gospel, Southern Rock, and Children’s songs, (and then there are some that he's not sure where they belong). Visit Ricks website at www.rickknowlesmusic.com