We lost Ricky in June 2024 after his battle with a prion disease that affected his brain. He joined Variable Elements in 2008. He was well-known in the Philly music community, having performed with bands and musicians associated with Michael Jackson, Rick James, and Teena Marie. He taught himself how to play by listening to great players like Steve Gadd, Stuart Copeland, and Carleton Barret. He was a composer and performer, involved in many side recording and performance projects, including his own project, Soul Matters. He loved to cook and was a full-time chef at the Boys and Girls Club of Philadelphia.