was a precocious youth when she traded her normal childhood for the chance to become serious about country music. But at such a young age, no musician would take her seriously. That's when she picked up her guitar and said, "If no one wants to help me, I'll learn to play by myself and come up with my own shows."

Rickiejoleen would call bars and restaurants and ask if she could play at their establishment. Most venues wouldn't ask her age, so she could get away with it. At 18, she now teeters daringly between the life of a hometown recording artist and that of Nashville legitimacy.

Rickiejoleen has a refreshing voice that oozes talent, with a slight twang and vibrato to envy. She takes to the stage with confidence, and spunk. Often arching her back with the guitar held high in the air. Try to mesh country, blues and rock, and you'll have an inkling of this young lady's panache.

The artist's style and youth are alluring -- you may be tempted to say she's just a kid, but self-managing her career from takeoff is no easy task. She has been working the local music scene for the past eight years and now has an impressive list of venues she performs at.

"Although I have given up much of my childhood, I wouldn't change a thing," says Rickiejoleen. "I have seen and accomplished more than some people only dream of. It can be tough but it's worth every second."