Ricky's career began when his father, Darrell gave him a fiddle at age 10. Growing up in Odessa, Texas, Ricky has always been tutored in Western swing by his dad, a noted musician in his own right. So Ricky already had a keen interest in emulating the music of Bob Wills and Johnny Gimble. But Ricky's dad believed in learning the right way- so he insisted Ricky also have training in proper classic violin. But Western swing still didn't lose its hold on Ricky. By age 15 Ricky was playing in local dance hall bands.
While still in high school Ricky's grandmother convinced him to enter a "little fiddle contest" over in Crockett, Texas. When Ricky showed up the day of the contest he discovered it was more than just a "little fiddle contest" it was the World Champion contest that had been held in Crockett since the 1920s and was attended by all the greats. Ricky didn't win that year but the contest did inspire him to keep improving his talent. He returned every year to Crockett and at age 20 he won the title World Champion Fiddle Player. He also won the Texas State Championship in 1980 and then he became the Missouri State Champion in 2011.
Ricky completed his formal education obtaining a degree in business from the University of Texas at the Permian Basin on the advice of his parents so he would always have a career outside of music. Later he earned his teacher certification and spent some time teaching middle school math classes.
Ricky has performed with great entertainers such as Red Stegall, Asleep at the Wheel, Moe Bandy and Jody Nix. In 2005, Ricky started his own show in Branson, Missouri called Ricky Boen and Texas Mud. In 2006 Ricky joined the Sons of the Pioneers and is currently still a member.
Ricky and his wife have four daughters and two son-in-laws along with two granddaughters and a grandson.
Ricky’s most recent adventure is serving his Lord and Savior in the ministry. He and his dad travel with cowboy minister, Corey Ross, to rodeos around the country ministering to cowboys and cowgirls.
While still in high school Ricky's grandmother convinced him to enter a "little fiddle contest" over in Crockett, Texas. When Ricky showed up the day of the contest he discovered it was more than just a "little fiddle contest" it was the World Champion contest that had been held in Crockett since the 1920s and was attended by all the greats. Ricky didn't win that year but the contest did inspire him to keep improving his talent. He returned every year to Crockett and at age 20 he won the title World Champion Fiddle Player. He also won the Texas State Championship in 1980 and then he became the Missouri State Champion in 2011.
Ricky completed his formal education obtaining a degree in business from the University of Texas at the Permian Basin on the advice of his parents so he would always have a career outside of music. Later he earned his teacher certification and spent some time teaching middle school math classes.
Ricky has performed with great entertainers such as Red Stegall, Asleep at the Wheel, Moe Bandy and Jody Nix. In 2005, Ricky started his own show in Branson, Missouri called Ricky Boen and Texas Mud. In 2006 Ricky joined the Sons of the Pioneers and is currently still a member.
Ricky and his wife have four daughters and two son-in-laws along with two granddaughters and a grandson.
Ricky’s most recent adventure is serving his Lord and Savior in the ministry. He and his dad travel with cowboy minister, Corey Ross, to rodeos around the country ministering to cowboys and cowgirls.
