Sylvester Rickey Powell

In addition to being extremely talented, Ricky was also a great spirit--funny, irreverent, constantly striving to live and make music, and someone who approached the trials he experienced--his prolonged illness, dialysis and kidney transplant--with great equanimity.' One more bright light that has been extinguished from the world. I will miss him.

I’m so very saddened to hear of Rickey’s passing. I worked with him on my first professional job in NY. I was 18 years old. Rickey was encouraging, kind and always full of humor when he talked. Over the years I didn’t see him physically but he continued to encourage me via social media. I will never forget that mischievous twinkle in his eye. Rest well my friend you will be truly missed. I’ll see you on the other side of the cross someday

God knows just what we need when we need it most. We thoroughly enjoyed the Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott performance on January 31, 2018.

Before and during the play, we heard from S. Rickey Powell, Jr., Jazz Vocalist. We learned Mr Powell was a participant in the Civil Rights Movement through the Birmingham children’s marches, and he attended 16th Street Baptist Church. He grew up playing on the local Dynamite Hill (got its name from having so many bombings in that...

Rickey...I remember when I worked with you for your amazing story at the Bean Brown Theatre. I remember how nervous I was but your bright spirit knew you would get me out of the nervousness. You gave me great advice and direction for the career past I've chosen. I only knew you for a little but your positive influence on me felt like I've known you for a lifetime.

Prayers and Condolences to the Powell family.

Words cannot easily express the loss I feel at the loss of our dear Rickey. He was a precious childhood friend and neighbor that brightened our days with love, joy, laughter, and song. Together we grew into adulthood and never lost the closeness we shared. How grateful we all are that Rickey brought so much to this journey we call life.
He will forever be remembered.

Rickey was quite the consummate professional, particularly during my tenure of working with the music ministry at Sixth Avenue Baptist Church.
And surely the breadth and depth of this true artisan was certainly felt within the performing arts community as well. His gift was purely undeniable as was his human nature.
“Requiescat In Pace”, Rickey.
Take Your Rest, Brother.

D.K.Grissett

It was always comforting to know Rickey was in the world - and to hear him sing. He taped lullabies for my firstborn in 1964. He was a sweetheart. Last worked with him in "TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD" in 2013 - his picture is on my den wall. I will miss him. Thanks be to God for his life.

A true and trusted neighbor and friend. You will never be forgotten from your childhood friends "Lebo" and "Sprout".