Tyler Rich will perform live at Gilley's Saloon, Dance Hall & BBQ on Sunday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m. No Cover!

Raised in Yuba City, California, about 50 miles north of Sacramento, Tyler’s love of Country music began with a sold-out George Strait concert at ARCO Arena when he was 8. He idolized his Uncle Tim — “At any family function, he would be the guy who would show up with his guitar and play songs, getting everybody singing,” Tyler says — and he received his first guitar as a Christmas gift from his grandparents just before he turned 14.

Impressed by one of Tyler’s Instagram covers, Dustin Lynch encouraged the aspiring singer and slotted him on a four-month tour before Tyler ever got a record deal. Jon Pardi, who grew up in the same part of California and coincidentally was coached in football by Tyler’s Uncle Tim, also provided invaluable introductions and advice. As their friendship has grown over the years, Pardi also invited Tyler to open select tour dates.

“I had champions in my corner when they didn’t really have anything to champion,” Tyler says. “They were authentic friendships that turned into opportunities for a person randomly moving two thousand miles across the country.”