Today we’d like to introduce you to Robbie Trice.
Hi Robbie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started playing guitar and writing songs at 13, and by 19 I was performing professionally after co-founding one of the East Coast’s first contemporary Christian bands, Kinfolk. We toured through the ’70s, recorded three albums, and one of my songs, Alpha and Omega, was later recorded by the Gaither Vocal Band and became a contemporary gospel classic.
After a decade with Kinfolk, I spent about 40 years as a church music minister and worship leader in the Carolinas and Jacksonville. Then, around 2013, I felt it was time to reinvent myself. I went back to my roots—performing classic songs from the decades I grew up with.
That led to creating Trice Music Services, where I now perform for senior communities, restaurants, and private events. Last year I did 268 shows across Greater Jacksonville, and I’m still loving every moment of making music that connects with people.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but the challenges have been good ones. I’ve learned that being a full-time performer also means being a full-time business owner. I’d much rather play and sing, but as things grew, I had to learn the administrative side — scheduling, communication, invoicing — all of it. Thankfully, technology and online tools have made that much easier to manage. If there is one thing I have struggled with and had to work to overcome it has been my own insecurities. It’s kind of ironic — I’m an introvert who’s spent a lifetime in front of crowds. The way I handle it is by being authentic, trusting the gift God gave me, and knowing I’m right where I’m meant to be in that moment. And after 12 years of playing for seniors, I can honestly say they’re the most appreciative audiences anywhere. They’ve given me as much — maybe more — than I’ve given them.
Another challenge has simply been aging. I’ve had to downsize my equipment and pace myself a little more. There was a time I could do two or three gigs a day — not so much anymore! But honestly, I see those changes as part of growing wisely, not slowing down.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
About 80% of my performances are in senior communities. What sets me apart, I think, is being able to really connect with those folks on a musical and personal level. A lot of musicians find that environment challenging, but I’ve found it deeply rewarding. Even if the applause isn’t big, you can see their whole face light up when they hear a song they recognize — it’s like witnessing little miracles every time.
In restaurants and private events, my strength is versatility. I can move between standards, country, R&B, and pop because I grew up loving all kinds of music. People often tell me, “I knew every song — it really took me back,” and that’s the best compliment I could get.
I’m proud that at 62 I was able to reinvent myself and build a second career that’s even more fulfilling than my first. Now at 74, I’m still going strong — performing, writing, and producing music with my old Kinfolk bandmates.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
If I could give any advice, it would be this — believe in yourself and trust what’s in your heart. Seek guidance and wisdom from people you respect, but don’t let anyone else define who you should be. You’re a unique creation with your own God-given gifts and dreams.
I spent a lot of years listening to well-meaning people who thought they knew what was best for me. It wasn’t until I stepped away from that and started following what was in my heart to do that I truly found where I was meant to be. That was a little scary at first, but it opened the door to everything I’m doing today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.robbietrice.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robbietrice
