Very few individuals enjoy going to work any more than talented pianist Roy Webb. "Each time I step on stage to play, I can't believe I'm actually doing this for a living," admits the 37-year-old Ohio native, who now makes his home in West Chester. The joy this multi-talented instrumentalist possesses in his vocation is quite obvious, as it shines brightly each time he sits down behind the piano to play.

Those who witness his exceptional talent find it hard to believe that Webb was actually 16 years old before he started playing piano seriously; however, he says one particular pianist served as a major role model. That individual was the late Anthony Burger, one of Gospel music's most celebrated pianist. "When I was first starting to play seriously, I followed the Kingsmen Quartet around just so I could watch Anthony play. He was a huge encouragement to me and a wonderful friend." In fact, it was quite an honor for Webb when Burger listed Webb among one of his favorite pianists during Burger's last interview with The Singing News Magazine, one of Southern Gospel Music's leading fan and trade publications.

Burger, who suffered a fatal heart aneurism in February of 2006, was one of many musical influences for Webb, and even though he says some influences include secular artists such as Bruce Hornsby, Diana Krall, Ray Charles and Peter Cincotti, he admits that his roots lie deep in the stylings of Southern Gospel. "It was my first love. I remember when the Cathedral Quartet came to my hometown of Dayton, and I saw them for the first time. I fell in love with the music."

Naturally, Webb jumped at the opportunity to be a part of the newly formed Signature Sound, featuring long-time Cathedral Quartet member Ernie Haase when he received the call in 2003. Webb traveled with the group, serving as pianist, as well as resident comedian, for almost four years until May of 2007. "I had the time of my life with Signature Sound," Webb relates. "I am very thankful for the opportunity I had to travel with such a great bunch of guys, and Ernie taught me more in four years than I could have learned in 20 anywhere else. He was a great boss and great teacher, as well."

During his years with Signature Sound, Webb had the opportunity to travel to such prestigious locations as the White House, the Pentagon and the Capital Building. The group was also featured on TBN (Trinity Broandcasting Network), as well as Focus On The Family with James Dobson. Additionally, the group was featured on numerous popular Gaither Homecoming Video video releases, including videos taped in such exotic locations as Israel and South Africa. In addition, he was a part of the Signature Sound debut video release, which soared to the top of Billboard Magazine's Music Video Chart, debuting at #3. The video recording achieved Gold sales status by RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America). This honor commemorates the sale of more than 50,000 units. Webb was also a part of Signature Sound's Get Away Jordan video release and served as the video's music director. The group enjoyed sales in excess of 300,000 audio and video units with these two releases.

In the early spring of 2007, Webb released his own instrumental recording, entitled You Raise Me Up. The recording received rave reviews from industry critics and fans alike, who embraced the recording's versatility and musical diversity. Produced by multi-award winning producers Wayne Haun and Lari Goss, the recording features numerous classic hymns, as well as spirituals and praise medleys.

Upon his departure from Signature Sound in May of 2007, Webb spent the summer with his family, renewing his estranged relationship with his ailing father, who was battling cancer, and eventually succumbed to the disease three months later in August. "Although leaving the road was difficult," Webb shares, "I'm very thankful I had the opportunity to spend time with my family and be there for my dad when he needed me most."

Following a four-month hiatus, Webb returned to the concert stage in September during Southern Gospel Music's premier event, the National Quartet Convention. He was featured on the main stage at the 2007 event, and also joined many of Gospel Music's most talented pianists, including Dino Kartsonakis, at the Parade of Pianos Showcase Spectacular.

Refusing to rest on past laurels, Webb continues to strive to perfect his talent. He continues to study piano at the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and is excited about what the future holds. He is now scheduling solo concert events nationwide in churches and concert halls, and says his schedule has become extremely busy. "I'm really enjoying my life as it is now," Webb says smiling. "I love being able to do solo events, and now I have the luxury of setting my own schedule, and spending more time with my family. My wife, Jamie, and I have been married for 14 years, and we have two wonderful children. Mallory is 13 and Braydon is nine, and we love spending as much time as we can together." Another favorite pastime of Roy's is martial arts. He studies Muay Thai and also enjoys working out and playing basketball.

Night after night Webb amazes listeners with his exceptional musical talent. His transparent personality wins the hearts of audiences, who embrace his quick-wit and dry sense of humor. Audiences leave with a smile on their face and a song in their heart." I think people who come to an event with Roy Webb enjoy getting to know who I really am, and humor is a big part of who I am," Webb explains. "More importantly, however, I want the audience to recognize that God has blessed me with a talent, and I want to give that talent back to Him each night I play.

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