Originally from Miami, FL, Rick came to Washington in 1969 as guitarist and featured soloist with the USAF Jazz Ensemble, the “Airmen of Note.” While in the Air Force, he spent 22 years with the band, touring all over the world and performing with a variety of many artists including: Sarah Vaughan, Billy Taylor, Louis Bellson, Dianne Shurr, Della Reese, Doc Severinson, and guitarists Roy Clark, Johnny Smith, Mundell Lowe, Jack Peterson, and Howard Roberts. During that time, he also appeared with the band on the “Tonight Show,” the “Mike Douglas Show,” “Nashville Now” and performed at many major jazz festivals across the United States, including Newport and Monterey. Rick retired from the Air Force in 1991 and started working in the DC area, playing solo guitar and performing with different musicians along with some occasional appearances with guitar great Charlie Byrd. In 1994, Rick was asked to join the Danny Gatton Band as a guitarist. Since that time they have stayed together as a trio, perform locally, and have just released their first CD, Live in Captivity. Mr. Whitehead is also on faculty at the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music.