Nashville Cats: A Conversation with Drummer Richie Albright
Apr 13, 201902:00 PM - 03:30 PM
2 PM – 3:30 PM
Drummer Richie Albright played a major role in shaping the distinctive Waylon Jennings sound. He joined Jennings as his drummer in Arizona, in the early 1960s, and charted a new career path for Jennings in 1970s Nashville.
Albright played drums for Jennings for nearly thirty years. He became one of Jennings’s closest confidants and, eventually, his producer. Jennings called Albright “my right hand.” Raised in Bagdad, Arizona, Albright became a member of the Waylors in 1964. The Waylors built a local following at J.D.’s, in Tempe, Arizona. Jennings and Albright moved to Nashville in 1966. At Albright’s suggestion, Jennings adopted rock attitude and production values. Albright played on classic Jennings albums including Lonesome On’ry and Mean, Honky Tonk Heroes, and Dreaming My Dreams. Albright has worked with Johnny Cash, Jessi Colter, Willie Nelson, Johnny Rodriguez, Billy Joe Shaver, Tony Joe White, and Hank Williams Jr. He continues to tour with Waymore’s Outlaws, made up of members of Jennings’s last band. Albright’s Ludwig Red Sparkle drum kit is on display in the museum’s exhibit Outlaws & Armadillos: Country’s Roaring ʼ70s. This interview will include vintage photos, film, and recordings. After the program, Albright will sign commemorative Hatch Show Print posters. Presented in support of the exhibit Outlaws & Armadillos: Country’s Roaring ʼ70s. Ford Theater. The program will be streamed live at www.countrymusichalloffame.org/streaming.
Program Admission
Included with Museum admission. Free to Museum members.
Advanced reservations are available to Museum members and can be made through the membership portal or by calling (615) 416-2050. Program tickets for the general public will be available day-of program at a first come, first served basis.
Museum members enjoy unlimited access to rotating exhibits, 10% off our retail and dining locations, discount tours of Historic RCA Studio B and Hatch Show Print, and more.
*Tennessee children ages 18 and under from Cheatham, Davidson, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, and Wilson counties receive free museum admission as part of Community Counts: Museum Admission Program for Locals. Up to two accompanying adults receive 25 percent off admission. Proof of residency required. For more information, please visit Community Counts or inquire at the Museum Box Office.