Richard Thomas Debow, Sr.

Richard (Ricky) Thomas DeBow, Sr. was born in Louisville, Kentucky on February 12,1953. He was the third of five children born to the late Mr. Joseph Richard Miller DeBow and Ms. Ruby Mae Winston. Ricky, as the family referred to him, was introduced to music at an early age. He often attributed his lifelong musical passion to growing up in a house full of musical talent. His mother, Ruby and her two sisters, were known as the "Winston Sisters". They sang in local churches while his father, Joseph, traveled through the city playing his trombone in a local band. Ricky and his eldest brother composed songs and entertained his siblings on the family's piano. This musical journey inspired and ignited a desire of smooth jazz, blues, and gospel.

Ricky also taught himself to play the saxophone and flute and continued to perfect his talent throughout grade school. He played in the marching band and studied art while attending Louisville Male High School. He never learned to read music and memorized his compositions, thus refining his gift of musical improvisation. Although he did exceptionally well with his abilities in art, he decided to cultivate his love of music. After graduating from Louisville Male High School in 1972, Ricky attended several different colleges before dropping out to go on the road, performing in various clubs with local bands. He eventually teamed up with his equally talented brother, Joseph (Joe) and two friends, Kenneth and James Gant, forming "The Family". The Gant brothers later separated from the group. Ricky and Joe then formed "DeBow" in the late 70's and later became "The DeBow Brothers". After several years on the road, he returned home to Louisville where he met his wife, Saundra Cobbs, during one of his performances. The two were married in 1978 and had three children, Izegbea (DeBow) Cannon, Richard Thomas DeBow, Jr., and Canda'ce (Dacy) DeBow.

The DeBow Brothers recorded an anti-crime public service record for United Neighborhood Incorporated for Criminal Opportunity Reduction (UNICORN), entitled "Crime" and "Improve Yourself", with producer Ray Johnson. Over 500 copies of the record were nationally distributed, and the group was presented an award for their contribution. The group quickly became well known across the city and began nationally opening up for numerous recording artists, such as BB King, Gil Scott-Heron, Ohio Players, and Parliament Funkadelic.

The DeBow Brothers later separated, and Ricky went solo with his musical career, recording with artists, such as KoKo Taylor, Percy Sledge, The Commodores, and Tony Joe White. Playing music, a full-time job, he began working nightly with vocalist Jerry Green at Jerry Green and Friends Night Club in the late 90's. In 2006, the solo album, "Saxophone Man", was released featuring a sultry mix of jazz, blues and gospel. The album featured two tracks recorded with his daughters, Izegbea & Canda'ce, and his younger sister Barbara.

Despite his chosen career as a musician, Ricky was raised in a home that was centered around glorifying God. He attended Greater Salem Baptist Church as a child, under the direction of Rev. William H. Ryan. Instilled with his early devout spiritual upbringing, he began playing in local churches, the most recent being Ebenezer Missionary
Baptist Church, where he was a member of the singing group "Men With Purpose".

Music was not only a career, but a burning passion that Ricky would stop at nothing to pursue. Even when he became ill, he was determined to become a national recording artist. He did not let his illness stop him and would be found playing at local musical events, assisted living facilities, and would even play all over the city following concerts and sporting events. Throughout his fifty-year musical career Ricky had become adroit in playing the saxophone, flute, percussion, and piano. Prior to his passing, he recently formed "The Rick DeBow Band" and had started taking guitar lessons. Ricky had a heart of gold and will be remembered as a person that always had a funny story to tell. No matter how dire the situation Ricky would always make you laugh. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Ricky is preceded in death by daughter Canda'ce DeBow and grandson Dylan Thomas DeBow. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, brother Joseph DeBow; sisters, Constance Smith, Margaret DeBow Wood and Barbara DeBow; son Richard DeBow Jr.; daughters, Izegbea (Debow) Cannon (son-in-law Chris), and Rikka Weaver; grandson, Darren Lawhorn; granddaughter Richlynn DeBow; nieces Ruby DeBow, Akhilah Cherry, and Jamila Smith; nephews Michael Carter, Joseph DeBow Jr and Jonathan DeBow; and a host of great nieces, nephews and devoted friend

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