Ricky Wilson (guitarist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ricky Wilson
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Wilson performing c. 1981
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Ricky Helton Wilson |
| Born | March 19, 1953 Athens, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | October 12, 1985 (aged 32) New York City, U.S. |
| Genres | New wave, post-punk |
| Occupation(s) | Guitarist |
| Years active | 1973–1985 |
| Associated acts | The B-52s, Black Narcissus, Loon, Tom Verlaine, The Zambo Flirts |
Ricky Helton Wilson (born March 19, 1953 – died October 12, 1985) was an American musician. He was best known as the original guitarist and a founding member of the rock band the B-52s. Ricky was born in Athens, Georgia, and was the brother of fellow band member Cindy Wilson.
The B-52s started in 1976. Ricky, Cindy, Kate Pierson, Keith Strickland, and Fred Schneider decided to form a band after sharing a fun tropical drink. They had an unplanned music session at a friend's house. Their first show was at a Valentine's Day party for friends. Ricky's unique guitar tunings helped create the band's special and quirky sound.
Ricky Wilson passed away on October 12, 1985, at age 32. This happened after the band finished recording their fourth album, Bouncing Off the Satellites. The band was very sad and did not tour to promote the album. However, they did take photos, appear on TV, and film a music video.
Besides his work with the B-52s, Ricky also played guitar on a song called "Breakin' in My Heart." This song was on Tom Verlaine's first album in 1979. It was his only recorded work outside of the B-52s. He also appeared in some movies, like One Trick Pony. After his death, he appeared in other films through old video clips. Rolling Stone magazine named Ricky Wilson one of the greatest guitarists of all time in 2023.
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Ricky Wilson's Early Life
Ricky Wilson was born on March 19, 1953, in Athens, Georgia. His father, Bobby Jack Wilson, was a firefighter and a veteran. His mother was Linda J. Wilson. Ricky was the older brother of Cindy Wilson. From a young age, Ricky loved music. He learned to play the folk guitar by watching a TV show called Learning Folk Guitar.
When he went to Clarke Central High School, Ricky bought a better guitar. He also bought a two-track tape recorder with money he earned from a summer job. In 1969, Ricky met Keith Strickland at a local shop. They both loved music and shared interests in Eastern culture. They quickly became good friends.
Ricky Wilson's Music Career
Early Bands: 1970–1976
In 1969, Ricky Wilson and Keith Strickland started writing and playing music together. They called themselves Loon and hoped to perform live. From 1969 to 1971, Ricky and Keith played with high school friends Pete Love and Owen Scott III. Their four-member band was called Black Narcissus.
After graduating from the University of Georgia in 1976, Ricky stayed in touch with Keith. They traveled around Europe. When they returned, they both got jobs at a bus station in Athens, Georgia.
Joining The B-52s: 1976–1985
In late 1976, Keith and Ricky came back to Athens. They joined the B-52s after an unplanned music session. This happened after they, Ricky's sister Cindy, Kate Pierson, and Fred Schneider shared a tropical drink at a Chinese restaurant. Their first concert was in 1977 at a Valentine's Day party for friends.
The band's unique take on new wave sounds combined dance and surf music. Ricky's unusual guitar tunings made their sound very special. Ricky said that children's records, the Mamas & the Papas, and Esquerita and the Voola inspired his music. He also played guitar on the song "Breakin' In My Heart" for Tom Verlaine's first album.
Ricky Wilson's Health and Passing
In 1983, while recording the band's third album, Whammy!, Ricky Wilson learned he had a serious illness. He told Keith Strickland about it, but he kept it a secret from the other band members. Kate Pierson later said that Ricky did not want anyone to worry about him.
On October 12, 1985, Ricky Wilson passed away at the age of 32. He was buried in Oconee Hill Cemetery in Athens. The band was very sad and did not do much to promote their new album. When the band started performing again in 1988, they continued as a four-member group. Keith Strickland played Ricky's guitar parts during live shows.
Images for kids
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Wilson performing circa 1981
