Rick Recht stands as one of the foremost influential figures and celebrated artists in the realm of Jewish culture and identity. Renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to Jewish music, media, and leadership training, Recht has left an indelible mark on the very fabric of Jewish life. As the national celebrity spokesman for PJ Library and the Founder and Executive Director of Songleader Boot Camp (SLBC), a premier national leadership training conference, Recht has dedicated himself to empowering the next generation of Jewish artists and leaders. He also serves as the Founder and Executive Director of Jewish Rock Radio (JRR) and JKids Radio, the first high-caliber, 24/7 international Jewish music radio networks. Beyond these roles, Recht holds the position of Artist in Residence at the United Hebrew Congregation in St. Louis, Missouri.
For over two decades, Recht has graced countless URJ, Ramah, JCC, and private camps across the United States with his music. A familiar face at NFTY, BBYO, and USY International conventions, the URJ Biennial, and various Jewish conferences, Recht’s impact extends far and wide. With 13 top-selling Jewish albums to his credit, including his latest release, “Here I Am,” Recht’s journey from mainstream musical stages to becoming a prominent figure in the Jewish music scene reflects his commitment to fostering Jewish identity and engagement. In his own words, Recht describes his mission as that of a connector and elevator of community, with a primary goal of identifying, supporting, and training new Jewish artists, educators, and leaders who will inspire and connect generations to come.
And on Sunday, January 21 from 3-5PM, PJ Library, a program of the Center for Jewish Philanthropy, Pardes Jewish Day School, and the Valley of the Sun JCC will proudly present a musical extravaganza featuring Rick Recht in concert. Click here to join us for an unforgettable afternoon filled with joyous tunes and a spirit of togetherness, where the power of music unites us in a celebration of community, tradition, and love!
But before you do… check out this fun Q&A we did with Recht to learn more about his music.
We’ve heard your amazing tunes, but what’s your go-to song when you just want to have a good time and let loose?
I don’t actually have a favorite song in particular. For me, any song that brings the community together and makes people feel a sense of pride and connection to each other is the winner. Often that song is “The Hope” which is a song about our hope for the future of Israel, but it really could be any song in the concert or service. Often it is a song where I have someone on stage with me, whether that be a member of a community, or a group help lead singing or with instruments.
If you could collaborate with any historical Jewish figure on a song, who would it be and what style of music do you think you’d create together?
I’ve never thought about that before. I’d go with Neil Diamond or maybe King David. It would probably be a folk song or a song about community, and it might have a really good hook for everyone to sing along to.
Your music is known for its positive vibes. What’s the secret ingredient in your songs that brings so much joy to your listeners?
I think the secret ingredient in a lot of ways is creating space for people to be a part of the song, meaning call and response. Where I sing something and then you sing the next part, and then we sing together. I have intentionally written my music to include those spaces, and to make it easy for people to be a part of the experience.
If you had to choose between performing on a massive stage in front of thousands or an intimate, cozy venue, which one would you pick and why?
People ask me often the largest place or the smallest place I’ve performed, and to me it really doesn’t matter at all. For me, if there is even one person and a connection is made, and something lights up for that person with their connection to community or pride in being Jewish or their connection to Israel, that is a huge success. So I’ve often found that some of the most special experiences are the smaller, cozy venues, even in someone’s living room.
Your website mentions your passion for bringing Jewish music to a broader audience. What’s the most unexpected place or event where you’ve successfully introduced your music to new fans?
Over the years, we’ve done an interfaith concert called, “Tear Down the Walls.” It is a really large concert that includes people of all kinds of faiths and backgrounds, and I’ve been pretty upfront about playing Jewish music in those experiences. Sometimes, I’ve rehearsed or done some stuff in Churches for these shoes, and for me, it was initially unexpected, but I’ve found overall that humans are humans are humans. And a lot of the music that I sing that I consider to be a part of the Jewish genre is universal, and it is beautiful to see people from all different backgrounds sing together and find equal meaning in the songs. I often find that when I’m doing a Shabbat service and a church group is visiting, they are often the most connected or plugged in. It is a really beautiful thing.
If your life were a movie, what genre would it be, and which of your songs would be the perfect soundtrack for the opening scene?
If my life was a movie, I think it would be a drama, but it would be an inspirational one. And I think that the song that would be the opening would be, “Tomorrow, Today.” It is just a fun song about the impact that we can have with our actions today on future generations.
Your musical style is diverse and dynamic. If you had to create a playlist for a road trip, what songs from your discography would make it to the list?
First of all, I wouldn’t be listening to my own music on a trip. But if I were making a playlist for someone else, I’d probably include some songs that are not as well known. I’d start with some of the more well-known songs like, “Kobi’s Lullaby,” “Salaam,” “Halleluyah,” “Chosen Family,” “Odon Olam,” and “The Rainbow Song.” But I’d also include some of the songs that I haven’t played live as much and people don’t know as much like “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, “Laasok B’divrei Torah,” “It Must Have Been You,” or “Hineini.”
In the spirit of musical innovation, if you could add an unconventional instrument to your performances, what would it be, and how do you think it would elevate your sound?
Most of my stuff is pretty conventional, but it would probably be a kazoo.
Your concerts are known for being lively and interactive. What’s the most memorable or hilarious audience interaction you’ve experienced during a live performance?
I’ve had some crazy experiences. One time we were playing a concert on a floating dock at a camp with about 1000 kids on a hill in front of us, and we had counselors holding onto the speakers so they wouldn’t fall in the water. Kids were jumping on the dock, and the speakers and everything was bobbing up and down, which was pretty wild and a bit scary. We’ve had to do some interesting things to get electricity into camp including driving wire hangers into the ground to get electricity for a camp concert.
Join us to see Rick Recht live in concert on Sunday, January 21, 2024!
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