Ricky Walters, a former guitarist with the Fabulous Five Band, died June 21 from cancer in a South Florida hospice. He was 66.
Frankie Campbell, bassist and founding member of the veteran band, confirmed his death in a statement issued shortly after his passing.
“It is with deep regret that I have to report that Ricky Walters, former Fab 5 guitarist (1976-1992) died a short while ago in a hospice in his home state of Florida. He was battling cancer for a few years. A fine guitarist/bassist, he wrote the Fab 5 hit ballad, Asking For Love in 1978. He left Fab 5 in 1992 and moved to Florida, where he continued playing music in different locations in that state. Ricky was 66 on the 4th of June; he leaves behind his current wife and two children. RIP Ricky, keep playing your music with the other great musicians who went before you.”
Walters also played on several songs by Rita Marley including the marijuana anthem, One Draw.
He was a member of Fab Five’s classic lineup that made the remarkable transition from easy-listening reggae to soca during the 1980s with songs like Feeling Horny and Ring Road Jam.
Asking For Love is one of the band’s biggest hit songs and remains a staple of their live show.
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