Ricochet emerged in the spring of 1996 as one of the most successful new country groups, consistently ranking in the Top 40 of the country charts. The band’s inception in 1993 began when drummer Jeff Bryant invited singer/guitarist Heath Wright to join his group Lariat, which also included Bryant’s brother, Junior, on fiddle/mandolin. After Lariat disbanded, the trio decided to reform as Ricochet, completing the lineup with Greg Cook (bass, backing vocals), Teddy Carr (steel guitar), and Eddie Kilgallon (keyboards, rhythm guitar, saxophone, backing vocals). Over the following two years, Ricochet extensively toured the South and the West Coast, nurturing a loyal fan base and honing their dynamic, edgy neo-traditional sound through rehearsals and songwriting sessions.
The band’s pivotal moment came when record producer Ron Chancey, associated with renowned acts like the Oak Ridge Boys, recognized Ricochet’s potential and facilitated a demo recording. Impressed by their live performance, Columbia Records offered the group a development deal under producer Ed Seay. By early 1995, Ricochet signed a record contract and commenced recording their debut album. Throughout the year, they toured alongside legendary artists such as Merle Haggard, Doug Stone, and Charlie Daniels, solidifying their presence in the country music scene.
Ricochet’s self-titled debut album, overseen by Chancey and Seay, debuted in 1996 with chart-topping singles like “Daddy’s Money” and “Love Is Stronger Than Pride.” Despite a lukewarm response to their follow-up album, Blink of an Eye, Ricochet continued to release singles that resonated with audiences. However, setbacks like changes in band members and unreleased tracks from the shelved album ‘What a Ride’ marked a transitional phase for the group. The band’s resilience led to the release of their third album, ‘What You Leave Behind,’ in September 2000, showcasing Ricochet’s enduring passion for their craft and commitment to their musical journey.