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music and after graduating with a degree in voice performance I enlisted. I wanted to travel. I
made a lot of great friends from all over while in the Navy. I worked as a helicopter mechanic for a
year to take a break from music then transferred to the Navy Band and finished my term as a
singer and piano player for multiple ensembles including jazz, pop and big band.

LL: You were offered your first recording deal in the early 90’s on Atlantic Records, a major

label. Can you tell us how that worked out?

RF: I did sign with Atlantic and performed all over NYC for three years while under contract. With
the label’s help I was able to

play a lot of the most popular
nightclubs such as The Bitter
End, Cafe Wha and others. I
honed my skills as a
songwriter while in New York
performing anywhere I could,
and I still have great friends

there. It can be a very
intimidating city to find shows
to play but that's the challenge
I was looking for. I sang, wrote
and recorded as much as

possible with award winning
Lawrence Lebo with Ruthie Foster writers. This period of my life

was one of the most
valuable times for me as an
unknown songwriter and performer.

LL: You’ve had the opportunity to record and work with many different artists. Can you tell

us a bit about that?

RF: I've always tried to make sure I was prepared for any opportunity in the music industry. I've
had the chance to sing and play with Bonnie Raitt, Warren Haynes, Robben Ford, Jorma Kaukonen,
Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks and quite a few more. I've had different roles as a musician with

each of them such as background singer, piano and rhythm guitar player. Each opportunity to
perform always led me to being asked to play for someone else. I've been blessed.

LL: You’ve had numerous Grammy nominations, Blues Music Award nominations and wins.
What have been some of the highlight experiences for you?

RF: Getting to attend the Grammys is always a treat. It's exciting to be a member of the audience

for one of the greatest music shows ever. For me it was very validating to be invited and to sit
amongst some of my heroes and she-roes! The Blues Music Awards in Memphis is another great
show and is more like visiting family every year. Over the last few years I've become not just a fan
but friends with a lot of the nominees. It's a chance for all of us to get together and catch up with
each other's lives and music.