When award-winning country artist Richard Lynch picks up a guitar, he's honoring his heritage.

He's also giving back--and giving the next generation a taste of traditional country.

Richard and his band share the stories of the rural lifestyle with which he grew up.  Their pure-country sound harks back to artists like Waylon Jennings and George Jones.  Among the multiple honors Richard has received for his music is his 2015 induction into the Independent Country Music Hall of Fame, according to his website.

Richard's current single, "A Better Place",  spent fourteen weeks in the number-one position on the New Music Weekly AM/FM Country chart.  His album, by the same name, garnered six 2016 Josie Music Awards nominations.

But he doesn't just sing about a life he recalls.  Richard is a barn builder, and he and his family live on an Ohio farm.

As founder of the nonprofit Love Tattoo Foundation, Richard uses his music to give back to veterans.  The Foundation raises money for the Wilwin Lodge veterans' facility.  (And they have a benefit show coming up in September, if you're in their area!)

In his mission to keep the country lifestyle going, Richard goes beyond storytelling.   Visitors to shows at his "Keepin' It Country Farm" get to experience rural life.

Richard talked about his background, some of the cuts on his "A Better Place" album and his plans for the future.
On this edition of Over Coffee®, you'll hear:


How Richard's growing-up years led him to develop the skills and talents to be a working country musician;


How the "country music bug" first bit him;


What kept him going for years before the recognition he's currently receiving;


What an average day's like, on his farm;


 Some of his experiences recording his album "A Better Place";


An important lesson from his growing-up years, about choosing which songs to record;


The story of writing his song, "Daddy's Guitar";


How he's promoting the future of country music (and having fun!);


A preview of the upcoming show on his Keepin' It Country Farm;


One of the accolades that meant the most to him;


The story behind the song "Love Tattoo", which Richard co-wrote in honor of veterans;


How he and his wife created the "Love Tattoo Foundation", and the ways it supports veterans.


His plans for his next project;


His advice to aspiring musicians.