About Rachel

I've been blessed, Im #2 out of 5 siblings and raised in a Christian family resided in country rural area, was very involved in church, christian activities, 4H-Club (sewing, cooking, raised and worked with variety of animals), Brownie Scouts Club, Sheldon Horseback Riding Club, live music, singing and so much more. Spent the first 15 years back and forth between Oklahoma, Texas, California.  

After my great grandma Hilliard passed and my grandpa Cargill passed, we didn't spend much  time in Texas and Oklahoma. Learned a lot from my elders.  

I've been playing piano at age 7, began writing poetry at age 9 (which later one of my poems was entered into the International Poetry of Institutions Contest and awarded Best Creativity with Silver Award plus the poem was inducted in the Book of International Poetry of Institutions along with many other talented writers.  

At age 10, I learned to play several reed instruments from grade school to high school and performed concerts, marching band competitions and performed music during high school sports activities. The reed instruments included Bassoon, Eb Clarinet, Bb Clarinet (which I still own and play the Bb Clarinet. My granddaughter "Drew Lyman" learned to play the clarinet, which she borrowed from me.  The other three grandchildren also play instruments and sing, among many other talents/skills.  

To date, my eldest granddaughter "Macie Wilson'' has excelled and at age 21, she is an actor, singer, pianist while she balances her time with college and her job). 

I was a very active singer and pianist in church, choir, solo and harmony with others, which I began singing at a very young age and escalated as I matured and discovered my voice and how to work it on many levels with strength and tight harmony too. I learned to play a variety of rhythm instruments.  

At age 14, I began to learn guitar.  I'm a strummer not a picker and that's okay. After I turned age 17, I have spent most my youth writing poems/songs, singing, playing instruments (main instrument is piano),  including being raised on a farm learn to irrigate, fencing, hard work,  ride, rope Horses and run cattle (even help in birthing process), design clothing, recovering interior decor items and lots of baking.  

As I moved forward into my adult life, I ventured more into music, singing, songwriting and events small catering. Still dabble with interior and landscape designs.  

I began my small business in 1973, as Rachel Cargill-COUNTRYWITHCLASS, events planner and live music.  Continued writing poems and songs. 

About 1971, age 16, I recorded my first gospel record album at the RCA Recording Studio in Modesto, CA, where I played piano and sang my original songs with Bill Carter (vocals and guitar), Lady Vi Carter (vocals) and Bill LeMaster (drummer). I have recorded several songs via cassette tape in San Francisco Studios during the 1970s-1980s. 1990s-2011, I've recorded several CD Albums with some originals. Hope to complete a new CD Album in 2024, which will be all originals.  

As years move forward, I've traveled many roads singing with a variety of artists and playing piano for many christian activities, non church activities, weddings and private events.  

I'm a strong believer in keeping your passions alive. I love playing piano and telling my story via original songs. I believe there are still many people out in this world that enjoy hearing the story within the song.  

Meanwhile, I'm a real foodie who enjoys organizing small private catering events, which I do arrange at least 3-5 private events at my ranch property. Included, allowing small weddings. I love to collaborate with other artists in the music and singing field.

Currently, enjoy collaborating with other artists, remain very active playing piano, singer, songwriter, performing at a variety of events and catering for small groups.