Inspired and influenced by music greats such as Hank Williams Sr., Chet Atkins, and Willie Nelson; at the early age of 13, Ross Key picked up his first guitar. At 15, he strapped on his guitar, and auditioned without his parents' knowledge at a local bar near his home landing his first paying weekly gig. Key began teaching music professionally at 15. In 1979, he toured Europe with the Boy Scouts of America, showcasing his musical talent before royalty in Sweden and elsewhere.
Key has mastered 6 and 12-string guitars, playing lead, rhythm, and bass. He holds the Virginia state dobro championship. He also has mastered banjo, fiddle, piano, and drums. He plays the mandolin and upright bass as well.
Key has written and sold original material which has been recorded by groups such as the Statler Brothers and Larry Gaitlin.
He's played with and fronted for popular artists such as Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Alabama, Hank Williams, Jr., and Jimmy Buffet. He traveled professionally in the bluegrass circuit with Lower 40 Grass before leaving the band, and moving his talents to the professional gospel circuit. Playing gospel music around the country with the Vessels of God for 15 years. In 1992, Key left the music industry to raise a family in Campbell County, Virginia.
Once again, Key has begun to play as a solo act on the local music circuit. With his lifelong goal once again focused on Nashville, Key has embarked on his professional career.
He not only performs traditional and current country, bluegrass, blues, and gospel material, but also his own original material.
Key is affiliated with BMI in Nashville, Tennessee.
