Sam Riddle was born in Missoula, MT. At only a few weeks old his parents moved the three of them to New York City. It was there that Riddle was exposed to an abundance of music and culture. At the time, Sam's parents were fresh off 10 years straight on the road touring with his father's rock band, The Mission Mountain Wood Band, that was a huge cult phenomenon playing 300 nights a year. In New York, Sam's mother took a position behind the scenes on Broadway working for Neil Simon. His father worked steadily as an actor while continuing to hone his craft as a musician. Riddle's youth was full of Broadway show openings, rock concerts, bluegrass festivals, auditions, gigs, photoshoots, and sports. His parents took Sam everywhere regardless of the event or the fact that he was so young. Whether it was an afterhours spot, a ballroom, or a bar, Sam learned how to interact with people.
One of Riddle's friends extended an invitation to visit. The two of them headed over to Harrah's casino on the river in Omaha. They headed to the lounge where a grand piano was spotted over in a corner. Sam's friend dared him to flip on the power and play. So Sam took him up on the dare, and in pure Sam fashion, put on a show, playing, accepting tips and taking requests. When he finished the manager of the restaurant offered him a job, and Sam stayed there for 3 months. It was then that a man approached Sam and told him about performing opportunities in Las Vegas. Riddle bought a van and drove to Vegas. A week later Sam was playing six nights a week on the Las Vegas strip, and is currently performing there today.
A big part of Sam is the city of New York, but he has always been firmly grounded to a piece of land outside Bainville, Montana on Chokecherry Road. Sam's great grandfather was a Homesteader on that land. Everything that Sam Riddle is starts and ends in Montana. Sam Riddle is a country boy and that's all there is to it. Country music lies firmly in the fabric of America and runs through Riddle's blood. Sam's latest album, Chip Off the Ol' Block has songs about growing up in the country, family, good times, and life.
Chip Off the Ol' Block is available now on iTunes and samriddlemusic.com.
