Rickie Monie, Sr., was born February 4, 1952, in New Orleans, Louisiana. His interest in music started at 8 years old, playing the piano. Initially, his father taught him and later arranged for private lessons. Rickie wanted to play in his elementary school band and his teacher told him that the only instrument available was the clarinet. So, he learned to play the clarinet and studied music in college with a focus on woodwind instruments, piano and organ. At the age of 13, his first professional job was playing piano for church services, and he became a much sought-after pianist and organist, which he continues to this day. Rickie has an exemplary musical career and has toured extensively around the world, playing at major venues and festivals such as The White House, The Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Symphony Hall, The United Nations, and The Royal Opera House in Oman. In 1979, he began touring with the Olympia Brass Band playing clarinet, and in 1982 with The Preservation Hall Jazz Band on piano. He has also toured with Dave Bartholomew, Clarence “Frogman” Henry, The Magnificent Seventh, The Blind Boys of Alabama and others.
He has played for five U.S. Presidents, the King of Thailand, Kings of African countries, Queen Elizabeth, and other dignitaries. Rickie has performed on many shows: The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with David Letterman, The Talk, the Grammy Awards, and in many commercials, magazine articles, and two movies. He has also recorded with many groups: Olympia Brand Band, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Alton “Big Al” Carson, Andrew Hall Society Jazz Band, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Brian Carrick and his New Orleans Heritage Jazz Band, Clarence “Frogman” Henry, Dave Bartholomew’s Big Band, John Brunious New Orleans All Star Jazz Band, The Magnificent Sevenths, among other groups. Rickie was nominated for a Grammy Award for his album Inspirational Melodies with Bridget Bazile. In 2022, Yamaha Piano Company recognized him as a Yamaha Artist for his distinguished career in music. As an ambassador of music for the City of New Orleans and the United States, Rickie continues to share his love of music worldwide with students of all ages, earning him the nickname “The Professor.”