Anthony Cullins: A Kid No More

Anthony Cullins. Photo by Cathryn Beeks.

Nine years ago, I wrote a feature story for this publication on the emergence of a 15-year-old guitar prodigy, Anthony Cullins, from Fallbrook, touted as the “Fallbrook Kid.” Now, a “kid” no more, I caught up with him to find out what he’s been up to, the status of his career, and his future musical goals, but first a look back at his beginnings.

His dad, Kenny Cullins, observed his son’s affinity for music early on. “At four years old he would run around with a stick playing air guitar and also bang on pots and pans,” he stated. “Shortly afterward, my family acquired a small-sized guitar in Tijuana for him,” he smiled. “We didn’t have a lot of money, but when he was ten years old, I bought him an acoustic guitar. I phoned around and found a five-week group lessons deal for $50 at a community center in Fallbrook to get him started,” he reminisced. “His teacher, Larry Robinson, immediately noticed Anthony’s ability to learn songs and chords quickly,” he said. “Larry told me that there’s something special about your boy and that in terms of Anthony’s progress, he hadn’t seen anything like it in all his years of teaching.”

Anthony Cullins wins Best Blues Artist at the San Diego Music Awards. Photo by Dennis Andersen.

Cullins echoes his dad’s recollection of those initial guitar lessons. “Larry taught me my first chords–C and G–then I got ahead of the class by learning A and D on my own. When the five weeks ended, Larry gave me private lessons out of his house,” he said. “Instead of teaching me how to read music, he taught me songs and chord progressions, mostly oldies from Richie Valens and Santo and Johnny, along with other 1950s’ songs. We would just start jamming and talking about music at most every lesson.”

Robinson then accompanied young Cullins to his first open jam experience at Sorell’s Restaurant in Temecula, subsequently followed by jam night appearances at the Valley Fort Steakhouse in Fallbrook. It was there he met Paul Alvarado, a veteran guitarist who appealed to Cullins’ liking. “Paul taught me about tone and how to spice up my playing,” he said. “By playing with him and watching him, I learned a lot of licks over two years of attending those weekly jams.”

During his early years at Mission Vista High School, a magnet school for the arts in Vista, one of his musical mentors there was Anne Fennell, who teaches music composition and steel drum. “Anthony is a superb, intuitive, soulful musician who has a sixth sense about every note he plays. I’ve never met anyone so talented at such a young age,” Fennell raved. “He has a thirst for musical knowledge and is fast to take an idea and make it something more musical than one could have ever imagined. He’s got the ‘it’ that so many people wish they had… he’s truly amazing as a human being and a musician!”

Additionally, many pro players in the community were quickly picking up on Cullins’ fretboard wizardry. “Anthony is a truly gifted player who listens and plays with a passion beyond his years,” exclaimed touring rock guitarist Roni Lee. “I welcome him on my stage,” she added. Blues jam organizer and bandleader Chet Cannon echoed her sentiments. “That young man absolutely rocks and just about tears that guitar apart from the seams… an amazing talent for his age.”

Reflecting back on those early days, Cullins offers golden advice to those in the learning process. “I wouldn’t be where I am now if it weren’t for those who offered constructive criticism,” he acknowledged. “Although I still get lots of compliments, I tend to ignore them and take to heart those who offer constructive criticism.”

EYES ON THE PRIZE
Having turned 24 last month, Cullins’ goal of being a full-time musician is set in stone. “So far, it’s working out as I’m able to pay the bills and stay afloat. I’m slowly but surely climbing the ladder by playing on other artists’ projects, which tend to be higher pay. Additionally, I may start teaching guitar on a regular basis to supplement my income.”

Cullins with Earl Thomas. Photo by Jorgen Kirsebom.

Some of the local top-shelf artists that have hired Cullins for their band have included vocalists Casey Hensley, Michele Lundeen, Whitney Shay, and veteran guitarist Johnny Vernazza, along with Jerry Raney and son Nathan Raney, both guitarists with the Farmers. “Anthony is seriously blessed with an innate talent” raved Lundeen. “I’ve watched him come up and he continues to amaze. I dig where he’s going and even though his playing and expressive voice can seem effortless, I’m excited and proud of his tenacity for learning and expanding.”

“There is a 50-year age difference between us,” exclaimed Vernazza, “but playing alongside Anthony you’d never know it. He’s what I call an old soul. He is humble while at the same time has a very constructive ego. I enjoy playing and rehearsing with him as it always brings a smile to my face as well as my heart. What is coming for Anthony in the future will be epic as he has the need to never stop learning while he creates his own playing style…he’s going to surpass even his own expectations!”

“Anthony has come such a long way in his musical journey,” exclaimed Nathan Raney. “His drive to become better and learn the language to express himself has made him a musical force. The sky’s the limit for Anthony as he continues to grasp for greatness, not only as a guitarist-songwriter but also as his vocals continue to impress every time I see him. The young man walks with humility and a kind heart. I wish him nothing but success and that he be recognized on all levels as the musical powerhouse that he is.”

Cullins’ band as leader features Tyre Wilcox on bass, with Carson Ford and Phil Pardell mostly splitting drum duties. “Sometimes I’ll add percussion or keys depending on the gig,” Cullins said. “Recently I’ve been adding Ted Belledin on keys and sax, which adds a blanket of sound that’s really rich.” Belledin returned the compliment. “Anthony has an old soul that lends gravitas and sincerity to his music. At the same time, he approaches music with a youthful exuberance and energy that captivates audiences and drives his bandmates to celebrate his music with him and to follow their own creative impulses along the way. He’s a joy to make music with.”

Locally, Cullins’ band boasts an impressive list of clubs and festivals where they’ve had top billing, including the Belly Up Tavern, the Music Box, the Coach House, Humphrey’s, Gator by the Bay, the Julian Blues Festival, and the San Felipe Blues and Art Fiesta.

In addition to playing locally on a regular basis, Cullins hopes that his band could hook up eventually as an opening act for a big-name group on a leg of their tour. “That’s sort of my next project, which is to find out who to reach out to in order to make that happen,” he said. “Musical headliners like Robert Randolph, Eric Gales, or Derek Trucks would be possibilities, all down-to-earth musicians who would likely be more approachable than most,” he concluded.

Cullins’ songwriting process takes a liberal approach to whatever washes out in the end. “For me it’s about writing good songs and arrangements,” he stated. “Sometimes I start with the lyrics first, then the music or vice versa. I don’t have a restrictive or exclusive formula; I’m open minded and am just trying to make a good song in whatever genre I’m shooting for.” Cullins’ efforts have been deservedly recognized by his back-to-back wins as Best Blues Artist at the 2023 and 2024 San Diego Music Awards ceremonies.

BIG TIME STAGES
Cullins’ has appeared at a number of high visibility events, one being an invitation to perform annually at the annual Dallas International Guitar Festival since 2017. “That’s been another great experience for national exposure as well as a great networking tool,” he stated. “It’s a really encouraging scene with many of the well-known guitarists sharing time with you. I met Eric Johnson and chatted with him for 20 minutes before he hit the stage; he is a humble guy, who like many of the others I met, never forgot where they came from.”

Since 2018, Cullins and his band have performed at the annual NAMM show (National Association of Music Merchants) in Anaheim, a great opportunity to present themselves in front of an international audience. “Each year that I’ve applied, they’ve been looking forward to having us. It’s been really rad as I’ve gotten to meet a number of sponsors through it. The first time I played there was one of the few times I’ve been nervous on stage because you know you’re playing in front of your peers that are attending the convention.”

Currently Cullins has been fortunate to have linked up as guitarist with vocalist-band leader Earl Thomas Bridgeman. Over the last year they have played at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in the UK and at the Notodden Blues Festival in Norway. “Earl’s been great to me,” Cullins exuded. “The reason he brought me on board was to support what I do. He’s introduced me to promoters in London and Norway for future dates that I could fill in place of him.”

Cullins quickly noticed some stark differences between European and mainland audiences. “The European audiences are super reserved but super respectful overall,” he noticed. “In Norway they would sit stone faced, but very politely, in respect for the music. It was really interesting how their audiences would clap in rhythm after each tune. The locals there are highly sophisticated in their taste for music and art, quite a culture shock.”

MORE ACCOLADES
Ace guitarist Scottie Blinn hosted Cullins at his house concert series last month, called Hacienda on the Hill. “I believe Anthony Cullins had already arrived the first time he picked up a guitar,” Blinn stated. “I’ve watched him since he was a young teenager and now as a young man. He’s on a whole ‘nother level and he sings well, too! A world-class guitar player and a class-act human being, Anthony has a big wide world open to him.”

Cullins performing live on KUSI.

Molly Lynn, a local music enthusiast and keen observer to myriad shows around the county for many years, shared her observations after attending the Hacienda on the Hill event. “He has mastered a metamorphosis of technique by playing his own original songs,” Lynn said. “While he may have cut his teeth on the blues, he is by no means musically limited to that one genre. Gratitude to Anthony for being a sponge and soaking up multiple techniques as well as gratitude to every one of his multiple mentors for his ever-evolving level of musical sophistication.”

Bassist Victor Franklin has played with Cullins on numerous occasions on a variety of stages. “I met Anthony at 12 years old,” recalled Franklin. “I’ve had an up close and personal view of his growth musically and as a human being. What a great musician and fine young man he has become. The attention and accolades coming his way are well deserved and won’t be ending anytime soon.”

FUTURE GOALS
“I’ll keep writing original music while networking and looking to play in Europe more as I continue to play locally and also get hired to perform and record with other musical artists. Additionally, I want to release a compilation CD of some of my singles, along with a three-track EP that I previously recorded. Since day one my goal has been to just play music and be happy and see what happens. Finally, when I’m an old man I want to give back to those guitarists who are up and coming, just like so many mentors did for me and pay it forward.”