Rick King's Royal Hustle: hosts Alicia “Ya Yah”Townsend’s welcome home party
Rick King's Royal Hustle: hosts Alicia “Ya Yah”Townsend’s welcome home party
Rick King, a native of Chicago's South Side, has established himself as a versatile and accomplished musician in the world of funk and soul. With a career spanning over two decades, King has made a name for himself as both a skilled drummer and a charismatic frontman.
King's musical journey began behind the drums, where he honed his craft playing for legendary artists such as KoKo Taylor, Buddy Guy, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, and B.B. King. His talents took him on global tours, allowing him to share stages with some of the most influential figures in blues and rock 'n' roll.
As a founding member of the funk-soul-jam band Lubriphonic, King further showcased his musical prowess. During his time with the band, he not only played drums but also took on the role of producer, contributing to five of their records.
In recent years, King has embarked on a new chapter in his musical career, stepping out from behind the drums to front his own band, Rick King's Royal Hustle. As the lead vocalist and percussionist, he leads a seven-piece ensemble complete with a horn section. The band's sound is a vibrant fusion of genres, blending elements of Chicago Blues, Memphis Soul, New Orleans Funk, and Kingston Reggae.
Drawing inspiration from his experiences with music legends and his own creative vision, Rick King's Royal Hustle delivers a high-energy, feel-good soul music experience that continues to captivate audiences and cement King's status as a notable figure in the Chicago music scene.
Alicia 'Ya Yah' Townsend
Alicia ‘Ya Yah’ Townsend, a Chicago native, has been captivating audiences since 1999 with her mesmerizing performances. Her musical journey has taken her across Europe, touring with the Free Street Theater Ensemble from Wicker Park, Chicago. As a seasoned band leader and entertainer, she has shared the stage with iconic artists like Too $hort and Sly and the Family Stone, and even had the honor of performing alongside Jim Belushi at the prestigious House of Blues.