Return to Home Page Interview with Gary Hydrick Where did you grow up?  What is your favorite childhood memory? I was born in Columbia, SC and spent most of my childhood there, but I also lived in Rocky Mount, North Carolina a few years, where my mother was from.   My favorite memories of childhood was when my dad took me on stage when I was nine years old at the Salley Chitlin' Strut.  WE sang Okie From Muskogee, an old Merle Haggard tune. When did you start playing music?  How did you learn to play? I started when I was eight years old.   I asked my father to teach me how to play the guitar.  He sat me down in my room on the edge of the bed and gave me a chord book and said "Here, learn these chords and I'll help you."  So, that's what I did and I learned to play by ear. What musicians influenced you most? First, my father was the biggest influence, watching him on stage and on TV.  He had a country music show on Channel 19.   Watching him get up there and entertain people made me want to be like him.  He has performed with a lot of stars - Loretta Lynn, Hank, Jr., and John Anderson, just to name a few.  Then, he played with Snuffy and Pappy and the Hired Hands.  I used to sit with them backstage and sometimes Pappy Sherrill would watch after me while my Dad was on stage.  Those guys were great on stage, too.   As I got older, maybe around fifteen, Tony Rice was a big deal for me.  I loved his style.  But, shortly after that, I put my guitar in the closet and it stayed there for a long time....  Then, about seven years ago, I met Johnny Fecco.  He is an awesome musician and a hell of a finger picker.  The first time I heard him, he was playing in this bar and when I walked in, it sounded like two people up there playing even though he was by himself!  I knew then something was going to change in my life and I decided to pick up guitar playing again.  We met and struck a deal.  I taught him woodworking and he taught me finger picking.  I am still learning and Johnny and I have become best friends, really like brothers.    A couple years ago, I met Covey through a mutual friend of my wife.  He has helped me with my singing and especially with musical arrangement.  This is really a talented man and a pleasure to be on stage with.  Thanks, Covey!   After all these years since my father sat me on the bed to learn chords, I still enjoy the pleasure of playing with my father.  It's a good feeling.  Thanks, Pop!  And, now my son Mitchell is turning into a fantastic finger picker who has shared the stage with me on several occasions.  Music is especially great when its in the family! What was your very first concert? Of course, my first concert was seeing my own father on stage.  My own first performance was at a wedding reception.  It started out as party for 25 to 35 people, then it escalated into maybe 150 people. I decided to ask Johnny Fecco to join me.  The two of us played for a couple of hours and after that I was hooked. What do you think about popular music today?  Who are your favorite artists? It is really changing a lot from what I grew up with (Country music in Columbia and Rock-n-Roll in North Carolina).  But, I like most of it, except Rap and Classical, which I respect, but it puts me to sleep. My favorite artists are James Taylor, Stephen Stills, Travis Tritt, Clint Black, and Allison Crouse. they all share something in common, clean melodies and good guitar work. Where do you go to hear good live music in Columbia?  Who are your favorite local musicians? I go wherever good live music is playing... Bill's Pickin' Parlor, Delaney's, the Corner Pocket, and MacDougall's, just to name a few of my hang-outs.   My favorite local musicians are Johnny Fecco, the Winterline Band (or, whatever they're calling themselves at the moment), D.B Bryant, the Biscuit Burners (really, they're from NC), and High Lonesome. What do you do when you're not playing music? I do custom cabinets and interior trim.  My business is Hydrick's Trim.  I love to travel.  I am into Hot Rods and old cars, bird hunting, and archery. . Do you have any advice for someone who wants to learn how to play music? You need a lot of patience.  A lot of it is muscle memory.  That comes from practice, practice and more practice. What do you think makes 2 For The Road special? We work hard on harmonies and having fun on stage.  If we are having a good time, then our audience will be having a good time. We practice every week and we have a commitment to our music.  And, we are always trying to learn new stuff.