David Ricketts(III)

Songwriter, music producer, and multi-instrumentalist David Ricketts was born on February 15, 1954 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. David began playing the guitar in high school and started taking lessons at age fifteen. In 1979 he moved to Los Angeles, California and got a job as a set builder for a movie studio. It was during this time Ricketts met fellow struggling musician David Baerwald. They began working together in June, 1984 and formed the rock duo David & David. In 1986 they released their sole album "Boomtown." This outstanding album garnered hugely favorable reviews from music critics and has since become a cult favorite amongst 80s music aficionados. It also beget the fine and haunting hit single "Welcome to the Boomtown," which peaked at #37 on the Billboard charts. After splitting up in 1987, Ricketts and Baerwald went on to pursue solo careers. Ricketts' failed relationship with singer/songwriter Toni Childs inspired her acclaimed 1988 debut album "Union;" Ricketts both co-wrote and produced this album. David collaborated with Cheryl Crow on her breakthrough smash 1993 debut album "Tuesday Night Music Club;" he co-wrote the hit songs "Strong Enough" and "Leaving Las Vegas." His songs are featured on the soundtracks to the films "Thelma & Louise" and "Bodies, Rest & Motion." Moreover, David Ricketts composed the scores for the movies "Echo Park" and "Sam and Mike."