Ricky Barnes

Born in Mobile, Alabama in 1956.... Ricky was always interested from early childhood in being an entertainer. He would always "hang out" with his Dad (Boots) at the radio and television stations and grew up around all of the Greats in the business.... They are all part of the family....At the young age of 14, Ricky landed a part time job at WMOO Radio in Mobile which at that time was a 50,000 watt am Gospel station. He worked on the air on weekends and afternoon fill ins if they needed him. He received his coaching from not only his Dad but Jack Cardwell, and Marshall Fillingim who also was at WMOO at that time. After high school, he went on to become that stations News Director. Ricky had several jobs at other local stations for short times but then landed a job at WUNI Radio (The WOONIE Bird). Mike Malone took a shot at him and also helped to further mold his career.
 

A few years later, he was the morning guy on WUNI. That is when "The Country Doctor" was born. The "Doc" never had a problem filling "Musical Prescriptions" along with his Nurse (who never uttered a word but bumped around the Studio) .... "Ima Quack."

As broadcasting goes, the station was sold........ but not to his dismay. Country Legend Mel Tillis bought WUNI and that was the beginning of WMML Radio.

Ricky remained at WMML and finally became General Manager as well as the morning Jock. Mel Tillis sold the station in order to free up funds to build his Theatre in Branson, Missouri.

Rick then went to the Alabama Radio Network where he was the Operations Manager but still stayed on the air with a 3 hour Sunday morning Gospel program heard on stations VIA Satellite all throughout the southeast.

After a dabble in a partnership with 2 local stations Ricky decided to move aside from broadcasting and is now working with Havard Pest Control http://www.havardpest.com/ in Hattiesburg, Ms. and Mobile, Alabama. Ricky is married to Tracy and has 2 step children and 2 grandchildren and still resides in Mobile and entertains from time to time on stage "Pickin' & Singing". Ricky is also a avid Ham Radio Operator.

His life and career highlights....

 

Meeting some of the greats in country and gospel music and knowing folks like you that enjoy keeping the Music "Low to the Ground and Country."