Rickie was born February 4, 1952 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Rickie’s interest in the piano sparked at the age of eight years old. Initially his father, Harrison, who played in the church, taught him the basics. Later, he received private lessons. Following in the footsteps of his father, his musical career began in church and by age thirteen was a salaried musician at Paynes Memorial AME Church. One of Rickie’s most prized accomplishments was when he played with Conductor Marvin Hamlich at the Kennedy Center and the nine foot concert grand piano was rolled onto the stage during the middle of the concert and he was asked to play it. Afterward, Mr. Hamlich asked him to autograph the harp. Rickie is one of a very few world-renowned pianist given this honor. As an ambassador of music for New Orleans and the United States, Rickie continues to share his love of music with students of all ages as they seek him out to request instruction in his meticulous style of playing. He is affectionally known as “The Professor.”