The U.S. Army Field Band

Biography

Master Sergeant Ricky Furr was born and raised in the northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and received his Bachelor of Music degree in Commercial Music from Shenandoah University in 2008. He has performed with ensembles in a range of genres from pop/rock to jazz and classical, including a performance at the famed Carnegie Hall with the Shenandoah University Wind Ensemble. Before joining the Jazz Ambassadors in 2014, Master Sgt. Furr worked as a freelance studio and live sound engineer and taught music production and audio.

Member of the Jazz Ambassadors

Official Photo of The U.S. Army Field Band Jazz Ambassadors

The Jazz Ambassadors, the U.S. Army’s premier big band, was formed in 1969 and is celebrated both nationally and internationally for performing America’s original art form—jazz. Known as “America’s Big Band,” this 19-member ensemble showcases versatile programming, including classic big band standards, solos, patriotic tunes, contemporary jazz, and original compositions by its members. Many of these works are available through their jazz education initiative, Perspectives.

The Jazz Ambassadors have performed across all 50 states and in Canada, Mexico, Europe, Japan, and India, joining prestigious orchestras like the Boston Pops and National Symphony and appearing at major jazz festivals in Montreux, Newport, and Toronto. Their performances reflect a rich legacy, met with acclaim for celebrating jazz’s unique spirit worldwide.

About the Jazz Ambassadors