Richard Speight, Jr.
Extended Bio
Richard Speight, Jr.'s path to musical stardom wasn't exactly traditional. When his friend picked up guitar at 13, Speight grabbed a bass, not out of artistic calling but because, as he honestly admits, they "just wanted to be invited to the parties." Sometimes the best journeys begin with the most human motivations.
From Basement Jams to College Bars
High school brought bands with names like Perfect Gentlemen and the Distortion Hawgs, playing school dances and house parties with the carefree energy of kids who treated music like "pickup basketball with their buddies." There were no grand career ambitions - just pure joy in making noise and creating energy.
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College at USC elevated the game. Strange Neighbors, featuring Chuck Facas, Steve Cavit, and songwriter Sam Klein, introduced Speight to something revolutionary: original songs. Playing college bars and cutting demo tapes, this was his first taste of music as craft rather than just fun. The collaborative spirit remained, but now there was substance behind the sound.
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Post-graduation brought Fugitive Pope and a taste of the industry - a record deal and a song in the indie film Kounterfeit starring Hilary Swank. But life had other plans. Band members scattered, family responsibilities called, and Speight stepped away from music for years, trading bass lines for bedtime stories.
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Meanwhile, Speight's career was flourishing in other arenas. Drawing from an extensive acting background that stretched back to films like Ernest Goes to Camp, his breakthrough into more recognizable territory began with HBO's Band of Brothers and continued as he became "Max the Pepsi Driver" and the face of IBM commercials - making him familiar to millions of viewers. From there, he landed roles in series like CBS's Jericho and CW's Supernatural, as well as films like the critical-darling indie flick Old Henry. Through his work on Supernatural, he transitioned from guest star to director, which opened doors to helm episodes of CW's Kung Fu, CW's Walker, Netflix's Lucifer, and Netflix's Dead Boy Detectives, while also co-creating and directing the series Kings of Con, available on Amazon Prime.
The Supernatural Renaissance
​Enter the most unlikely musical catalyst: Supernatural conventions. Working alongside house band Louden Swain, Speight found himself gradually drawn back to the stage - first through nervous solo performances, then filling in on bass when needed. The spark was reigniting, and Carolina County Record Company's Jason Manns was there to fan the flames.
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Manns saw something Speight didn't: a unique voice in country music that nobody else in their circle was filling. Despite a primarily rock musical background growing up, Speight began embracing his Southern roots and Nashville heritage as he matured. Sometimes you have to grow into who you were meant to be.
Dick Jr. & The Volunteers is Born
Creating Dick Jr. & The Volunteers required surgical precision - balancing Speight's beloved convention persona with legitimate musical aspirations. Working with Manns, the goal was clear: avoid the "joke album" trap while keeping things fun and accessible. This wasn't novelty music; this was the real deal wrapped in an entertaining package. The lineup crystallized around key collaborators: Billy Moran, Emma Fitzpatrick, Zachary Ross, and others who understood the "Dick Jr. vibe" - music that was both seriously good and seriously fun.
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The Dance and How to Do It launched the project - primarily covers with original gems like "Goin’ Straight" (co-written by Speight, Fitzpatrick, and Ross). The album proved there was real appetite for what they were creating, debuting at #6 on the UK Country iTunes Album Chart and #21 on the US Country iTunes Album Chart. When "Goin’ Straight" landed in an episode of CW’s Supernatural, it felt like everything had come full circle.
COVID Creates a Songwriter
Then 2020 happened. While the world locked down, Speight found himself alone in hotel rooms filming projects like indie film Old Henry and CW’s Kung Fu. Armed with just a guitar and endless time, he began writing original material in earnest. Isolation became incubation, and what emerged was a collection of songs deep enough for a second album.
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FistFights and Hug-Outs marked a quantum leap - primarily original compositions that showcased genuine artistic growth. The album balanced serious emotional content with the Southern-influenced sound that defined the band. Writing "Your Whiskey on My Lips" specifically for Fitzpatrick's voice proved Speight had evolved from party-crasher to craftsman.
High-Energy Philosophy
Speight's live shows reflect his convention hosting DNA - silence is the enemy, energy is everything. Drawing from years of keeping audiences engaged, he refuses traditional acoustic openings or morose solo moments. Every show is full-band, full-throttle entertainment from start to finish.
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The live lineup rotates around constants Speight, Fitzpatrick, and Moran, with skilled session musicians filling out the sound, depending on location and availability. It's professional flexibility in service of consistent entertainment value. Fitzpatrick lends her mesmerizing vocals, while Moran, the accomplished lead guitarist from indie rock band Louden Swain, brings serious musical chops to the project - he even produced their sophomore album FistFights and Hug-Outs, helping shape the evolution from covers to original artistry.
The Scenic Route to Success
Richard Speight, Jr.'s musical journey proves that sometimes the best stories take the long way around. From a party-crashing teenager to headlining iconic venues like The Roxy, Whisky A Go Go, The Mercury Lounge, and Nashville's Exit/In, it's been a masterclass in following passion wherever it leads. Dick Jr. & The Volunteers stands as proof that authentic artistry can emerge from the most unexpected places - even Supernatural conventions.
