Richard Hardaway Vandella (August 30, 1945-November 17, 2016, also known as Ricardo by Regina) was a singer, dancer & a songwriter who formed The Uplifters, dubbed as The Voice of The Decade, Maestro, Emperor of Soul & Prince of Sunbow. He began his solo career while still at his own group in 1971.
Early period[]
Ricky Vandella was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was given birth by his mom, Jocelyn Shanelle Smith, and a Puerto Rican father, Leroy Delano Vandella. His dad grew up in the Bronx, and then met his mother in a nightclub. He has a little brother, Tevin Vandella & his sister, Teena Vandella. In the early 1950s, Ricky met his best friend who later joined the group, Frank Davis. They both met in their school, and both sang in church.
In the early 1960s, Ricky and his friend Frank were both dropped out of school so Frank could have an apartment and live with Ricky. He also fathered him until 1966.
In 1967, Taylor Price gave Vandella and Frank a record label contract for Sunbow. They both signed it and Vandella befriended Price.
Personal life[]
A show in The Forum on April 1971, Ricky met a girl who was a fan of him and also in the fan club. He was bit by that girl, who turned out to be a vampire. Classic member Mentin Benz stated in his early 72' and final interview, "Well.. Since I've overheard them moaning and groaning in that room.. Ricky came out of the room, hiding his neck. I said 'Rick, what happened? Why are you hiding your neck?' He said "Oh man, it's nothing." Turns out, he was a vampire. They gave me the 35s, shown that they did a close up of us performing, but he (Rick) had fangs. Shit was scary, I tell you."
On March 23, 1972, they had a show at Houston's Astrodome. The same day Vandella was illegally married to one of the members of his group, Jeremiah Easton.
In May 1995, Vandella had a mammogram for the first time, which found a small malignant tumor.
Trivia[]
- Ricky is bisexual.
- Ricky had a private wedding on March 23, 1972 after the show on Houston. He married one of his member in his group, Jeremiah Easton. They didn't marry by law.
- Ricky is a vampire. He turned into one until 1971, in 1972, he got more used to the vampire life.
Solo discography[]
- R.H.V. (1971)
- I Wanna Be Where You Are (1972)
- Thy Exception To The Rule (1972)