About Redd
From country and western swing to jazz and rock, Redd Volkaert is considered a true giant of country music and the Telecaster guitar. Redd is a Grammy-winner and a guitar-playing legend who is renowned throughout the country music world and beyond.
Volkaert played in Merle Haggard’s backing band The Strangers in the spot previously staffed by Roy Nichols. In addition, he has recorded and performed with a who’s who of country music stars such as George Jones, Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley, Dwight Yoakam, Buck Owens, Alison Krauss, Rhonda Vincent, and many more.
Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Redd spent more than a decade in Nashville, playing with the likes of Ray Price, The Statler Brothers and eventually behind Merle Haggard.
Volkaert moved to Austin, Texas, where he lived for some 20 years, including performing at Austin’s famed Continental Club every weekend.
Redd now lives in Galax, Virginia, and performs internationally in addition to his residency at The Floyd Country Store in Floyd, Virginia.
Redd is considered an icon on the Telecaster with numerous guitar models named after him. In addition to his seamless ability to conjure up a vast array of complex guitar styles, Redd is beloved for his trademark wit and sense of humor.
Redd won a Grammy for his own work in 2009, after making an international name for himself as lead guitarist for Merle Haggard. His interpretation of the classic Roy Nichols guitar style led to a quote in Guitar Player magazine by Merle: “When I close my eyes, I sometimes hear Roy Nichols playing over there, and that has never happened before.”
He has released five CDs on his own and recorded and/or played guitar live with a host of world-class artists.
Browse the website to find:
- A biographical timeline, as told by Redd.
- Redd’s online store, where you can buy his CDs and DVD.
- Additional photos of Redd and friends.
