Age, Biography and Wiki
Ricky Lawson (William Riser III) was born on 8 November, 1954 in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., is an American drummer (1954–2013). Discover Ricky Lawson's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Learn How rich is he in this year and how he spends money? Also learn how he earned most of networth at the age of 59 years old?
| Popular As |
William Riser III |
| Occupation |
Musician, composer |
| Age |
59 years old |
| Zodiac Sign |
Scorpio |
| Born |
8 November 1954 |
| Birthday |
8 November |
| Birthplace |
Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Date of death |
23 December, 2013 |
| Died Place |
Long Beach, California, U.S. |
| Nationality |
United States
|
We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 8 November.
He is a member of famous Musician with the age 59 years old group.
Ricky Lawson Height, Weight & Measurements
At 59 years old, Ricky Lawson height not available right now. We will update Ricky Lawson's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible.
| Physical Status |
| Height |
Not Available |
| Weight |
Not Available |
| Body Measurements |
Not Available |
| Eye Color |
Not Available |
| Hair Color |
Not Available |
Dating & Relationship status
He is currently single. He is not dating anyone. We don't have much information about He's past relationship and any previous engaged. According to our Database, He has no children.
| Family |
| Parents |
Not Available |
| Wife |
Not Available |
| Sibling |
Not Available |
| Children |
Not Available |
Ricky Lawson Net Worth
His net worth has been growing significantly in 2023-2024. So, how much is Ricky Lawson worth at the age of 59 years old? Ricky Lawson’s income source is mostly from being a successful Musician. He is from United States. We have estimated Ricky Lawson's net worth, money, salary, income, and assets.
| Net Worth in 2024 |
$1 Million - $5 Million |
| Salary in 2024 |
Under Review |
| Net Worth in 2023 |
Pending |
| Salary in 2023 |
Under Review |
| House |
Not Available |
| Cars |
Not Available |
| Source of Income |
Musician |
Ricky Lawson Social Network
Timeline
William Riser III (November 8, 1954 – December 23, 2013), better known as Ricky Lawson, was an American drummer and composer.
A native of Detroit, Michigan, he worked extensively as a session musician, collaborating with Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Whitney Houston, Steely Dan, Earl Klugh, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and other artists.
Lawson played for The Sons of Soul, who performed at the 1969 Michigan State Fair, opening for The Jackson Five along with The Blazer, a band from Cooley High School in Detroit that included La Palabra.
Also in high school, he played such sports as water polo and swimming.
His swimming talent eventually earned him a scholarship to college.
He only spent one year at college, being invited to play drums for Stevie Wonder.
In the '80s and '90s, he played drums for Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston.
He played on Whitney's famous hit, "I Will Always Love You".
Lawson has a one note "solo" in the song, where he hits the toms before Whitney's dramatic vocal finale.
He said that this was his favorite solo of his career.
In addition to the artists listed above, Lawson collaborated with Quincy Jones, Bette Midler, Russell Ferrante, Toto, Al Jarreau, George Benson, Lionel Richie, and George Duke.
He also co-authored the Pointer Sisters' hit "Uh-Uh", and co-produced their album Serious Slammin' and the Fattburger hit "Good News".
He co-founded the jazz-fusion band Yellowjackets and won the 1987 Grammy Award for Best R&B Instrumental Performance for "And You Know That" from their album Shades.
Lawson started playing drums at the age of sixteen.
He would borrow his uncle's drum set and carry it to his house across town via the Detroit bus system.
In high school, Lawson played in his high school jazz band, which consisted of only five members, including the director.
He was the drummer for Michael Jackson's Bad Tour in 1987-1989 and Dangerous Tour in 1992–1993.
He was the drummer for Phil Collins' Both Sides tour in 1994-1995 and the Dance into the Light Tour in 1997.
He also performed with Phil Collins for his MTV Unplugged session in 1994.
Lawson appeared on Steely Dan's Two Against Nature studio album, as well as their live album and tour DVD, Two Against Nature: Steely Dan's Plush TV Jazz-Rock Party.
He also appeared on Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds' MTV Unplugged live album and DVD in 1997.
In 2001, Lawson released the solo album Ricky Lawson and Friends, on which he performed, arranged, produced, and wrote all of the songs in collaboration with leading artists Gerald Albright, Phil Collins, George Duke, Sheila E., Nathan East, Donald Fagen, Jon Herington, Robben Ford, James Ingram, Boney James, Al Jarreau, Kirk Whalum, Vesta Williams, and others.
The album is a blend of R&B, pop, and jazz.
In 2008, Lawson put together a classic Christmas CD, Christmas with Friends, with special guests Ron Reinhardt and Philippe Saisse on acoustic piano, Rick Braun on trumpet, Richard Elliot, Michael Paulo, and Steve Alaniz on sax, Paul Brown, Adam Hawley and Iam Keene on guitar, Lenny Castro on percussion, Roberto Vally and Sekou Bunch on bass.
Lawson became disoriented while performing at the Spaghettini jazz club on December 13, 2013, in Seal Beach, California.
He was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm and treated at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center.
He died on December 23, 2013, aged 59, when he was removed from life support after ten days.
In one of his final studio recordings, Lawson appears on 8 of 13 tracks of well-known bassist and Fourplay founding member Nathan East's eponymous album, released in March 2014.
The album dedication In memory of Ricky Lawson appears as the final statement in the liner notes.
