Uncle Ricky & The Chillin' Circuit

 

Breakout keyboard artist Rich Willis

has shared his musical talent locally

and nationally, performing with

various bands, singers, and

theatrical productions over the last

30+ years. He is a prolific composer

and gifted keyboardist, influenced

by such greats as Joe Sample,

Herbie Hancock and Lyle Mays. His various compositions defy genre,

 but call to mind jazz, new age,

classical, and gospel, to name a few.

 

Currently, Richard is working on a number of musical ventures,

including production of a second

CD, collaboration with other artists, writing soundtracks for movies, TV,

and commercials as well as

showcases of his original material.

 

Native Detroiter Willis attended Mumford HS and Henry Ford College. After showing music genius at an

early age, he studied with Jean

Payne, Arthur La Brew and Rudy Hawkins.

 

Willis honed his skills on the road touring with plays, including “The

 First Lady,” “Selma,” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

 

He has taught piano and music

theory at the Harris Academy of

Music, the Mattie Moss Clark Conservatory of Music, and Music Masters. He continues to teach

private music lessons and at local schools.

 

Willis, who also performs as “Uncle Ricky,” has worked with Norma Jean

Bell, Aaliyah, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Vickie Winans and flautist Althea Renee. He has also been accompanying The Kimmie Horne

Band for over 13 years to date.

 

He is Minister of Music at Fews

Memorial CME Church in River

Rouge, MI.

 

As a producer, Willis works with promising singer/songwriters. Willis

is a musical businessman, providing various kinds of background support

for the musical community —

arranging, writing jingles, preparing tracks, providing equipment and

sound rental and other musical

support services.

 

Rich is a prolific composer, with a

huge library of original music. He is working on his third CD. He shares

his music through his own brand of unique and unforgettable rare solo performances. His biggest goal is to

get his large volume of original work

to music lovers everywhere.