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R.D. King
- Waltham, MA
- Classical Guitarist
- Travels up to 500 miles
- $375 and up.
Overview
If you want your guests praising the music years later, R.D. King is the guitarist for you!
An award-winning guitarist with over 15 years of experience performing hundreds of weddings, concerts, and more, King's expertly arranged repertoire adds an element of the extraordinary to romantic ceremonies or energetic parties. He brings passion and professionalism to all events and works with YOU to make the music a truly special and memorable part of the day.
King is a UMass Boston lecturer and has placed in several songwriting and guitar competitions, including first place in the 2017 Canadian Guitar Festival International Fingerstyle Guitar Competition.
23 Reviews
R.D. King surpassed my expectations, he was friendly and professional but above all he is an extremely talented musician. Our wedding ceremony was perfect thanks to his beautiful guitar playing, it really made it so special.
Guitarist
We provide a cozy and intimate space for our guests and Russell's style and sound is a perfect fit for us. There were guests literally located 4 ft away from him and they were able to enjoy the music and conversation just like eveyone else in the room. We will definitley have him back.
Classical Guitarist
Russell was absolutely amazing! He is super talented and has a great list of songs in his repertoire. Our guests were raving about him. So glad we hired him!
Guitarist
R.D. is an extremely talented guitarist whose professionalism remains unmatched. My husband and I had a very intimate wedding with only 24 guests. We took a lot of care in deciding who we would hire for the music during our ceremony as well as the reception dinner following. Russell was very prompt in answering all of my inquires over Gigsalad and then encouraged us to set up a phone call so we could get to know him better and so he could get to know what we were looking for before we even officially booked him. From that first phone call, we learned what to expect and what was included in his pricing and he gave us his honest feedback on how we had planned to have the evening flow.
He arrived in a nice suit well in advance to set up, make sure everything was working properly and tune up. He handled the last minute changes due to the pouring rain in stride with little to no direction from us, as we were occupied with other day of activities. We chose all of the music we wanted him to play and even requested that he learn a few special songs, which he executed flawlessly. He even politely and professionally handled settling a disgruntled mother who was requesting a song be played from her phone that was not on our list.
I felt very confident in choosing Russell from the start. He is very self sufficient and it is very obvious how much pride he takes in his work and how experienced he is. We got multiple comments on his skill and his ability to play such a wide range of music.
Guitarist
R.D King was amazing and super easy to work with! He performed during our wedding ceremony and I would recommend him to anyone looking for a musician in the Boston area!
Guitarist
Response from R.D. King:
Thanks so much Avital! It was a great day, I was so happy to be a part of it! Congratulations!!
I hired RD King to play acoustic guitar dinner music for 50 people last weekend. He was incredible! Not only was his music and guitar playing so so great, he was a joy to work with. RD King was flexible and willing to work with the venue on their strict requirements. He was professional, yet easy going. I will 100% be hiring him again for future events. He is the perfect addition to any party, cocktail hour, or dinner. Thank you R.D. King!!
Guitarist, Classical Guitarist
RD King was FABULOUS! Received lots of positive comments from guests. He was professional throughout the entire process and very easy to deal with. We highly recommend him. Beautiful music.
Guitarist
Response from R.D. King:
Thanks Lisa! It was wonderful to meet you and your family. I hope the rest of the wedding weekend was a big success! -R.D. King
Russel provided beautiful and sensitive music for our event. He is lovely to work with, understands his work thoroughly, and is a very skilled musician. 10/10 would recommend.
Guitarist
I hired R.D. For my Christmas cocktail party, I had about 20 guests and he set up near the Christmas Tree. His music and presence made my party over the top!! He played the music I requested and it was at the perfect sound level so guests could mingle and talk. Five stars! I’d hire him again
Guitarist
Hired Russ to play ceremony music for our daughters wedding. He did an amazing job!
Highly recommend!
Thanks Russ!
Guitarist
Response from R.D. King:
Hi LouAnn, thank you so much! It was such a special day and I was happy to be a part of the celebration! -R.D. King
Russ did an amazing job at our wedding ceremony. He was punctual, professional and his music was beautiful. He learned a new song for the processional and it was absolute perfection. He was communicative through the whole process and made sure that we got exactly what we envisioned!!
Guitarist
We hired Russell to play at my parents intimate 50th wedding anniversary celebration and we can not thank him enough! Russell showed up exactly on time, was friendly, courteous and dressed perfectly for the occasion. Throughout the entire process, he listened thoughtfully to what we were looking for, offered some guidance and delivered an Amazing performance and the perfect touch to make their celebration just right. Everyone has been talking about his beautiful playing and his natural talent. He truly has a gift and we are so grateful he was available to play for us on their special day.
If you're looking for a guitarist for any occasion, we couldn't recommend Russell highly enough. He will exceed your expectations.
Thank you from our entire family, Russell. You helped us create a lasting memory we will cherish for so many years to come.
Guitarist
R.D. Was amazing- so incredibly skilled and set the tone exactly right for our ceremony. Would 100% book again for something and highly recommend for weddings! Thank you for unforgettable ceremony music! :)
Guitarist, Classical Guitarist
Russ did an amazing job playing at our rehearsal dinner. He is a true artist and the evening's music seemed effortless yet engaging. R.D. is really talented and I hope to have an occasion in the near future to hear him again. A perfect mix of classic and new age was just the perfect mix.
Guitarist
R.D. King is so incredibly talented and an absolute professional. Having him perform at our party absolutely made the day. I cannot recommend him highly enough!
Guitarist
Response from R.D. King:
Thank you Heather! It was really a perfect day!
RD played at the celebration of life memorial service for our daughter. He is a fantastic guitarist. During the service he played Hereafter and Lover Lingers and it was incredibly moving. During our search for a musician for our event we discovered his marvelous songs. If you have the opportunity to hire RD for whatever event you might have just do it! You won’t be disappointed.
Guitarist
Response from R.D. King:
Thank you again, David! Was grateful to be a part of such a moving event.
Last week Russ played at a party celebrating the 60th Anniversary of our business. He is a really nice guy, arrived in plenty of time and he looked great dressed in a suit and tie. He played beautiful and diverse background music, perfect for the occasion. Our guests really enjoyed his music, I highly recommend him and would call on him again. Thank you Russ!
Diane Kennedy
Guitarist, Classical Guitarist
Response from R.D. King:
Thank you Diane! It was a lovely celebration!
Russ was amazing! He is a very talented guitarist and did a great job for a private party. I will hire him again when we do more entertaining. We were so lucky to have found him!!!! I received many compliments on his behalf. Great job Russ! thank you!
Guitarist
R.D. King performed beautifully for our wine tasting event. On time, professional - would hire again
Classical Guitarist
Response from R.D. King:
Thanks Michael! It was a wonderful event -- hope to be a part of it in future years! Best, R.D. King
Russell performed for our wedding ceremony and cocktail hour this past June. I had listened to him play on iTunes and YouTube, but hearing him perform live was incredible! He played a number of Bach pieces for our ceremony and Beatles/contemporary music for our cocktail hour. He was super easy to work with, showed up prepared with his own equipment and really made our wedding special! If we ever have another occasion where we need to hire a guitarist, we would certainly love to hire him and hear him play again! Thank you, Russell!!
Guitarist, Classical Guitarist
Response from R.D. King:
Thanks so much for having me, Rachel! So glad I could be a part of such a beautiful ceremony. All the best, R.D. King
Provided wonderful dinner music for a high end board dinner - would absolutely book again.
Classical Guitarist
Response from R.D. King:
Thanks so much Deirdre! It was a pleasure to meet you -- and the cruise in Boston Harbor was wonderful!
No only was Russell talented as a musician, but also he was an amazing individual. I had 30 guest for dinner, and have received so many incredible emails about his performance.
Classical Guitarist
Response from R.D. King:
Hi Penny, thank you so much for the kind words! It was lovely to meet you and your guests.
R.D did a great job he was on time and very organized...
Classical Guitarist
Response from R.D. King:
Thanks Dennis! It was nice meeting you!
Booking Info
Price Range: $375 and up.
Gig Length: 30 - 600 minutes
Languages: English
Insurance: $1,000,000 - General Liability Insurance
What to Expect
R.D. King is a solo instrumental guitarist. Classically trained at Ithaca College of Music, R.D. King can perform classical compositions, modern and traditional covers, and original music as well.
R.D. King's performances are emotionally captivating, inspired, and versatile. He crafts his repertoire to suit the environment of the show and can provide the perfect ambiance for any event.
R.D. King has performed at countless weddings, events, receptions, and more.
About
R.D. King is a Boston-based human, composer, and acoustic guitar extraordinaire. He is a TEDx Cambridge performer, winner of the 2017 Canadian Guitar Festival’s International Fingerstyle Guitar Competition, and winner of the 2018 Walnut Valley Festival NewSong Showcase (Instrumental Category). He has opened for Grammy-nominated Ari Hest, Andy McKee, Liz Longley, and many others.
His debut album, vs. Self, was described as “energetic and epic” and “transformative journeys of sound” by New York Music Daily and The Deli magazine, respectively. Featuring nine original tracks for solo acoustic guitar, it is available on iTunes, Spotify, Soundcloud, Tidal, and more.
Inspired by literature, philosophy, art, and meditation, King blends dazzling guitar pyrotechnics with cinematic and evocative music. A captivating and energetic performer, King’s pursuit of music is his deepest source of personal growth. He hopes to inspire listeners in their own journeys towards empathy, love, and self-actualization.
Additional Booking Notes
R.D. King can provide his own amplification, including battery power if necessary. He can perform both acoustically and with a sound system depending on the event planner's vision for the event.
Microphone rentals are available for speakers during your event too!
Services Offered
Upcoming Booked Events
December 21, 2024 • 7:00pm - 9:30pm | Christmas Party |
Past Booked Events
May 25, 2024 • 11:00am - 12:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
February 14, 2024 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Restaurant/Bar Event |
October 08, 2023 • 5:00pm - 6:00pm | Birthday Party |
September 29, 2023 • 5:30pm - 8:30pm | Dinner Party |
September 03, 2023 • 3:00pm - 4:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
June 15, 2023 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Rehearsal Dinner |
December 28, 2022 • 6:00pm - 7:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
December 17, 2022 • 8:00pm - 9:30pm | Christmas Party |
November 10, 2022 • 3:00pm - 4:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
August 06, 2022 • 3:00pm - 5:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
June 03, 2022 • 2:00pm - 3:30pm | Anniversary Party |
November 13, 2021 • 4:30pm - 5:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
October 15, 2021 • 8:00pm - 10:00pm | Rehearsal Dinner |
September 25, 2021 • 1:00pm - 5:00pm | Anniversary Party |
September 25, 2021 • 9:30am - 11:00am | Winchester Farmers Market |
September 22, 2021 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | The Movement |
September 15, 2021 • 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
September 12, 2021 • 6:00pm - 10:00pm | Wedding Reception |
August 27, 2021 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
August 17, 2021 • 5:30pm - 7:30pm | Cocktail Party |
February 20, 2020 • 6:30pm - 8:30pm | Birthday Party |
October 05, 2019 • 2:00pm - 5:00pm | Cocktail Party |
June 15, 2019 • 3:30pm - 5:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
March 20, 2019 • 7:00pm - 7:30pm | Cultural Event |
October 06, 2018 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Cocktail Party |
June 23, 2018 • 4:00pm - 7:00pm | House Party |
June 16, 2017 • 5:30pm - 6:15pm | Wedding Ceremony |
Set List
Custom arrangements available!!
Any piece of classical music available!!
Selected repertoire (many others not listed):
A Thousand Years | Christina Perri
Across the Universe | The Beatles
Adore You | Harry Styles
Ain't No Sunshine | Bill Withers
All of Me | John Legend
All You Need is Love | The Beatles
And I Love Her | The Beatles
Ashokan Farewell | Jay Ungar
Ave Maria | Schubert
Baby I Need Your Lovin' | The Four Tops
Babylon | David Gray
Bella's Lullaby | (from the movie Twilight)
Bennie and the Jets | Elton John
Better Together | Jack Johnson
Bittersweet Symphony | The Verve
Brown Eyed Girl | Van Morrison
California Dreamin' | Mamas and the Papas
Can't Help Falling in Love | Elvis Presley
Canon in D | Pachelbel
Carolina In My Mind | James Taylor
Cello Suite No. 1, Prelude | J.S. Bach
Cello Suite No. 6, Gavotte I + II | J.S. Bach
Corcovado | Stan Getz
Count on Me | Bruno Mars
Dreams | Fleetwood Mac
Every Little Thing She Does is Magic | Sting
Falling Slowly | Glen Hansard
Fire and Rain | James Taylor
First Day of My Life | Bright Eyes
Fly Me to the Moon | Frank Sinatra
Free Fallin' | Tom Petty
Hallelujah | Leonard Cohen
Have You Ever Seen the Rain | Credence Clearwater Revival
Heart of Gold | Neil Young
Helplessly Hoping | Crosby, Stills & Nash
Here Comes the Sun | The Beatles
High and Dry | Radiohead
Higher Love | James McMorrow
Ho Hey | The Lumineers
Hotel California | The Eagles
I Choose You | Sara Bareilles
I Want It That Way | Backstreet Boys
I Was Made for Loving You | Tori Kelly & Ed Sheeran
I Will Follow You Into the Dark | Death Cab for Cutie
I'm Yours | Jason Mraz
In My Life | The Beatles
Iris | The Goo Goo Dolls
Isn't She Lovely | Stevie Wonder
La Vie En Rose | Edith Piaf
Landslide | Fleetwood Mac
Lara's Theme | (from Dr. Zhivago)
Layla | Derek & the Dominos
Love Story | Taylor Swift
Make You Feel My Love | Bob Dylan
Marry Me | Train
Marry You | Bruno Mars
Mirrors | Justin Timberlake
Moon River | Henry Mancini
More Than Words | Extreme
Movin' Out | Billy Joel
My Heart Will Go On | Celine Dion
My Life Would Suck Without You | Kelly Clarkson
Naked as We Came | Iron & Wine
Name | The Goo Goo Dolls
Never Going Back Again | Fleetwood Mac
One Hand, One Heart | (from West Side Story)
Paradise | Coldplay
Passing Afternoon | Iron & Wine
Perfect | Ed Sheeran
Piano Man | Billy Joel
Rhiannon | Fleetwood Mac
Royals | Lorde
Slow Burn | Kacey Musgraves
Something | The Beatles
Something Just Like This | The Chainsmokers
Somewhere | (From West Side Story)
Somewhere Over the Rainbow | Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
Songbird | Fleetwood Mac
Stand By Me | Ben E. King
Stardust | Hoagy Carmichael
Stop This Train | John Mayer
Style | Taylor Swift
Summertime | George Gershwin
Superstition | Stevie Wonder
Tenerife Sea | Ed Sheeran
The Girl from Ipanema | Stan Getz
The Last Waltz | Engelbert Humperdink
The Luckiest | Ben Folds
The Only Exception | Paramore
The Shire | (from Lord of the Rings)
This Year's Love | David Gray
Wake Me Up When September Ends | Green Day
Walk the Line | Johnny Cash
We're Going to Be Friends | The White Stripes
Wedding March | (from Lohengrin)
Wedding March | (from Midsummer Night's Dream)
What a Wonderful World | Louis Armstrong
When You Were Young | The Killers
Why Georgia | John Mayer
Wish You Were Here | Pink Floyd
Wonderful Tonight | Eric Clapton
Woodstock | Joni Mitchell
Yellow | Coldplay
You Are the Best Thing | Ray LaMontagne
You Can't Hurry Love | The Supremes
Your Song | Elton John
Influences & Inspiration
Andres Segovia
Julian Bream
Julian Lage
Andy McKee
Leo Kottke
Laurence Juber
The Beatles