Freddie R. Foster was fortunate to come from a musical family. His father and fellow musicians introduced him to stringed instruments at an early age. There was always someone playing something, somewhere in the home. Soon, all the instruments would become his "Friends" with one in particular, the guitar. That evolved into more then a friendship. Curious and being bless with a gift, he ended up playing Mandolin, Banjo, Fiddle, and the Drums with some fluidity, but a love affair with the guitar developed and they soon eloped. Oddly enough there was only one guitar in the house; Freddie was a southpaw, so naturally he had to learn to play upside down on a right-handed guitar. It was a hindrance but he over came this obstacle with passion and determination. With his first guitar in the fourth grade, and playing at recess with the opening lines of Folsom Prison Blues and Wipeout, it laid the foundation for playing in front of an audience.
Playing out as early as thirteen years old, and even forgoing his mothers name to play a bar at age fifteen, was the beginning of what he always wanted to do. With the seeds of Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country, and the Blues being sown, they rooted deep in him to grow a "Rock N Roll" heart. As time moved on from high school bands and chums, fate led him to the Party House where everything shifted gears. He met a lot of good people there and other places in between. Most of the people in bands derived from there in one shape, form, or another. With numerous bands under his belt, he showed he was truly dedicated, not just as a musician, but, as a guitarist. After taking time off from his last band, ten years ago, he still played the guitar on a regular basis for different events, including the Special Wish Foundation the last three years.
With so many guitarist and bands from all styles, his influences are a mile long. So stop by and see him and listen to hear one, or several of his influences. You can then decide for yourself what you think of this guitarist. All he has ever wanted was an appreciative audience.
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