Loved by people throughout the world, Rick Strickland has dedicated his life to singing the Gospel. Rick is recognized as one of Southern Gospel's finest tenors. His faithfulness is traced to his upbringing in a Christian home that served the Lord.
Rick developed a love for Gospel music and began singing at the age of 5. In 1982, Rick's professional career began as a tenor with the Singing Americans. The quartet placed "I Bowed On My Knees And Cried Holy" at the top of the Southern Gospel charts in 1984. He was featured tenor on the Singing Americans' "Live And Alive" and "Black And White" albums.
Rick received the People's Choice Award as 'Favorite Tenor' in 1985. He joined Dollywood's Kingdom Heirs in 1987 and quickly made many friends in the music industry. In 1989 The Kingdom Heirs Quartet was named 'Favorite Southern Gospel Newcomer Group' by the Singing News Fan Awards. The group gained popularity for such songs as "Test Of Time," "I Can See Heaven" and "That Very Moment." Rick's live performances of "Moving Up To Gloryland," "Glory Road" and "Over The Moon" were lively and well received.
Rick became known as Mr. Imagination, a Dollywood show for youngsters that he produced in 1992. Mr. Imagination allowed Rick the opportunity to showcase his talents by performing and spreading God's message to children. He penned and recorded a children's project, "You Are Especially Special."
Rick's career took to new heights later in 1992 when he joined the legendary J.D. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet. Becoming a member of The Stamps Quartet opened many doors for Rick. He sang at the Grand Ole Opry, appeared on the popular Gaither Video Series and shows such as Crook and Chase, The Ralph Emery Show and The Statler Brothers Show. The quartet had sold-out performances at Radio Music Hall and Wembly Auditorium in London and toured extensively in Europe. As a member J.D. Sumner's quartet, Rick added Stamps classics such as "You Will Never Walk Alone," "The Holy City," "Oh, What A Savior" and "Sweet, Sweet Spirit" to his repertoire.
In 1998, Rick was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall Of Fame as a testimony to his dedication, talent and professionalism. He received a Dove Award nomination for his performances of Mosie Lister's "Till The Storm Passes By." Also in 1998, Rick received a nomination for a Grammy Award along with J.D. Sumner and The Stamps for the "Final Sessions" recording.
Following J.D. Sumner's death, Rick continued as tenor with Ed Hill and Ed Enoch, longtime members of The Stamps. Rick has been bringing the message in song as a full time soloist since 2002. In this ministry, Rick is often accompanied by his mother Paula Strickland.His prayer is to share his testimony and to follow under the leadership and anointing of Jesus Christ, Our Lord.