Rick Eldridge

Peace Herald 1975

Images Klesis 1977

Rick Eldridge is a Christian artist that toured during the late 70s. He was probably best know for a song that made its way into the charts in 1977 called "Things That Matter Now" and for sponsoring Jesus Music festivals in Florida some years later. Rick formed a band back in 1977-78. I was the first member (playing bass) and was soon joined by Reggie Stokes (who had played guitar on his second album) and Eddie Glass (on drums). We toured all over the U.S and some in Canada during the year or so that we were together. Money was scarce but we managed. We were young and single and money was not a priority. However, after a year of being squeezed in together in a GMC conversion van we decided it was time to press on. Although we didn't all part on the best of terms, we had formed a bond that comes through sharing trials and triumphs as a group.

I managed to stay in touch with Reggie over the years and he had intermittent contact with Eddie. However, none of us could find out what had happened to Rick. Occasionally, I would search the internet to see if his name popped up but to no avail. At least until about two months ago when I found his name associated with a company called Mainstreet Entertainment. I sent an e-mail and, sure enough, it was him! We all exchanged e-mail and decided to try and get together in Charlotte for a reunion! It had been 20 years since I had seen Rick or Eddie but as we met and hugged each other it seemed like it had only been yesterday. Rick and his family graciously invited us into their home where we jammed until 1:00 a.m. We played many of the old tunes and some new ones that his son (who is almost as talented as his father) had written. When we parted ways this time we all realized just how special the times had been that we had spent together and we were all thankful for the opportunity to bring it full circle.

Below is a photo of the original band glossy that we sent out. Below that is how we look today. The years have changed us a little but the memories have only sweetened! -- Jim Pruitt Oct. 2000

Eddie on left, Reg on top, Rick on right, Jim in the middle


Left to right - Eddie, Rick, Reg, Jim