Rick Faris, an accomplished bluegrass musician and songwriter, was recently named Songwriter of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA). Now based in Owensboro, Faris has also been nominated for Songwriter of the Year and Guitar Performer of the Year by the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA).
“It feels incredible — still kind of like a dream,” Faris said about receiving the IBMA recognition. “I’ve been writing songs since I was very young. My mom wrote songs, and she got me started. I found a love for storytelling through her.”
Faris, who moved to Owensboro in January, has quickly immersed himself in the local bluegrass scene while running Faris Guitar Company and working at Kentucky Guitar Works on 2nd Street. He said the transition to Owensboro has been a natural fit.
“Owensboro is such a great place to jump into bluegrass,” Faris said. “It’s not only the state’s heritage – it’s where bluegrass music is from. We’ve felt so supported here, and the community has really made us feel at home.”
Faris’s passion for bluegrass spans decades. Growing up, he drew inspiration from his father, who was a professional musician and once played with Reba McEntire. Early memories of bluegrass music trace back to his childhood in Arkansas and Missouri, where his father performed with bluegrass bands.
Faris channels those experiences into his songwriting, blending personal reflection with universal themes.
“A lot of my inspiration comes from everyday struggles,” he said. “I’ve always heard, ‘Write what you know,’ and that makes the songs relatable because if you’re going through it, somebody else probably is, too.”
In addition to songwriting, Faris tours part-time as the frontman for The Faris Band. His music has found success on streaming platforms, Sirius XM, and beyond, with multiple songs reaching No. 1 on the bluegrass charts.
Faris said the renewed popularity of bluegrass music, fueled by artists such as Billy Strings and Molly Tuttle, has brought the genre into the mainstream. He believes its appeal lies in its authenticity.
“People are hearing genuine music in a time when that’s rare,” Faris said. “Bluegrass songs are about everyday struggles and memories we all share. Bill Monroe said, ‘I made my music so it could go from my heart to yours,’ and I think that’s what draws people in.”
Beyond performing, Faris remains dedicated to the art of luthiery – building handcrafted guitars. Through Kentucky Guitar Works, he offers classes where enthusiasts can learn to build their own instruments.
“The guitars I make will outlive me,” he said. “It’s like having musical kids out there.”
With new music and upcoming tour dates, including international stops in Canada, Faris continues to share his love for bluegrass while proudly calling Owensboro home.
Faris will attend the 50th annual SPBGMA Bluegrass Music Awards from January 23-26 in Nashville.
