Grady Cross is a guitarist, music venue owner and music festival promoter who grew up in Yukon, Oklahoma. In high school, he, along with three of his friends, formed the band Cross Canadian Ragweed and was a member for 17 years. In 2010, after his time with CCR, he opened Grady’s 66 Pub on Main Street in Yukon. Grady’s 66 Pub features live music in the Texas/Red Dirt music scene weekly. In 2020 Cross went on to open another business called Grady’s Green Room Music Shop as well as forming the new band Cross Rags & Young and currently splits his time touring with the band and running the music shop.
How did you get started?
I was 13 years old, jamming with friends and listening and soaking up whatever I could, like Merle, Willie, Waylon, Petty, Joe Walsh and Van Halen. In high school we started Cross Canadian Ragweed and would practice and play on weekends in Stillwater, friend’s parties and wherever we could at our ages.
Did you always want a career in the music industry?
I always liked playing guitar and was always interested in music. I didn’t realize I would have a career in it until after high school and Cross Canadian Ragweed got more and more popular.
What is your role in the music industry?
Sixteen years as rhythm guitarist for Cross Canadian Ragweed, Owner of Grady’s 66 Pub and Grady’s Green Room Music Shop as well as helped promote several music festivals around Oklahoma
Most Recent Successes / Placements / Accomplishments / Projects? Career highlight?
Our bar, Grady’s 66 Pub has been voted “Top 25 Dive Bars” in the nation on several occasions in the past several years by MSN.com. I just formed a new band, Cross, Rags, & Young along side Randy Ragsdale of Cross Canadian Ragweed and Jason Young of the Jason Young Band. It started in 2020 but due to COVID-19 restrictions, it got off to a slow start, but it’s picking up now and I am looking forward to playing more shows this year.
What is your favorite Oklahoma music venue, music store, or recording studio?
I have always loved playing Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa. Right now I think Guitar House of Tulsa is a really cool place and of course my Grady’s Green Room Music Shop is cool too. Back in the day I loved going to Daddio’s in Stillwater and Granny’s Music Mall in Oklahoma City. I also love working with the guys at The Music Group Studio in Edmond.
Can you share which Oklahoma organizations (if any) have contributed to your success and are there any Oklahoma organizations you would recommend others to connect with?
The Red Dirt Relief Fund helps many musicians in Oklahoma. Any organization that helps with music or funding for our kids is who I recommend.
How can we follow you? Best place to purchase and listen to your music (if applicable)?
Spotify, Pandora, YouTube, and pretty much all streaming stations. crossragsandyoung.com, Facebook, Instagram, radiotexaslive.com are a few.
Advice for someone interested in working in the music industry.
Work hard and set goals but always have fun.
What are some of the benefits of having a music career in Oklahoma?
I feel like we have some of the best musicians out of the state of Oklahoma. It’s a great place to pass through especially playing in the Red Dirt scene. It’s centrally located and we get a lot of great musicians passing through here.