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Rick James Obituary
James, 56, died at 9:45 a.m. at a residence near Universal City, said Officer Esther Reyes, a Police Department spokeswoman.
"He died apparently of natural causes. We learned of his death after responding to a radio call," Reyes said.
After his big hit, James' fame began to fade as he became embroiled in legal problems and health troubles.
James was convicted in 1993 of assaulting two women. The first attack occurred in 1991 when he restrained and burned a young woman with a hot pipe during a cocaine binge at his house in West Hollywood. He was free on bail when the second assault occurred in 1992 in James' hotel room.
James was sentenced to more than two years in state prison.
In 1997, he released a new album, but a year later he suffered a stroke while performing at Denver's Mammoth Events Center, derailing a comeback tour.
In 1998 he also underwent hip replacement surgery.
978 Entries
Alison Hassan
August 7, 2024
In love and memory of a wonderful and so talented person . I will never forget you Rick James listen to your music every day. I love you . Rip
vic/terry tillinghast
April 14, 2024
Rick: r I p your music is great :)
Alison Hassan
February 10, 2024
Rick james there will never be another like you. You were a gift to us from God So talented and an amazing human being. I grew up with your music
You are missed so much. I love you you were the best..RIP A fan from uk
Ricardo Alberto OTEO
January 12, 2019
Aún hoy escucho y veo tu gran repertorio musical. Aun hoy bailo tu funk y hago bailar a cientos de personas cuando se escucha el gran ritmo que imponias y tu voz inunda la pista de baile... Siempre presente Rick!
How you can show support
March 10, 2018
I have had the special privilege to listen, purchase and collect your albums. I have also witnessed you in concert during the 80s. I bid you farewell. You were very talented with your genre in music. You were very creative.
Starlesha Bryant
February 24, 2018
RIP I grew up listening to your music and I still do. You were the best!
Tinia and Derrick Grant
May 5, 2017
Rest in peace, you will be miss
Nephew Shaad
April 18, 2017
I love you uncle James, AKA Uncle Rick! December and February was hard as always. It was hard enough loosing you, then aunt Teena left to be with you. I still remember every valuable gem that you taught me, and I'm carrying the legacy forward with dignity and respect, just like I did when you were here in the physical. Give my love to all the angels above who left before me, and I already know that you saved a place for me up there.
Peace and Love,
Shaad AKA Rah
Peggy Sanders
August 16, 2016
Hey Rick,just "ur Babee girl".Was home last week,got to say hi to you briefly.No orchid this trip.Stlll miss you.Saw some one at PGReunion,we nodded and kept it swift.J J is up there,l guess.Resting in HIS arms,my dearest dearest.
Valenda Newell
June 26, 2016
The Funk Master himself, you brought a different kind of wild, crazy and out of this universe music (sooo funky). I will still continue to listen to your music, always taking me back to the 80's leaving me with wonderful memories dancing to the wee hours in the morning at all the local clubs. I THANK U FOR SHARING APIECE OF YOUR SOUL!!!
Pamela J Allen
November 28, 2015
Rip Mr. James
Pamela J Allen
November 28, 2015
I love his music. I still love me some Rick James RIP
Sebrena E
October 30, 2015
Forever a childhood memory that has lasted a lifetime!-here's to YOU RICK JAMES
!-gone but NEVER forgotten!!
clifton ozone
September 21, 2015
clifton ozone rest in rick love you
angela greco
August 23, 2015
R.I.P Rick James, Your music will always ROCK
Love You
L.Raquel dAngelo
July 30, 2015
For Mr. James
This light shines permanently as does your spirit
Id love to meet you on the other side
L.Raquel dAngelo
July 30, 2015
For Nr. James
This light shines permanently as does your spirit
Id love to meet you on the other side
L.Raquel dAngelo
July 30, 2015
My father loved your music....he rocked to it and I grew up on it....its 2015...Im50....STILLyour music is ironically classic and I ROCK to it.
You are a sexy, sexy man.
R.I.P.
inola olds
May 13, 2015
Rip Rick you are truly miss and forever remembered. You're home now with God take your rest. Love Always.
Daniel davis
April 4, 2015
He was the best , i still collect his music
cyndi Burt
March 18, 2015
Dear Rick James.I still can't believe you are gone that really shock me up hearing about you're passing .the radio station don't play your music anymore and that's not fair .I still and always will love you .You're my all time favorite .Love you .See you when I make my journey .Maybe you and I can sing a song together.
Patricia Kline
March 10, 2015
Thank you James family for giving RICK JAMES to the world. Rest in peace Rick you've earned your rest the world loved you but GOD loved you best.
Zenobia Austin
March 8, 2015
love ya-Rick, sorry you went to soon.
Laurence Short
March 7, 2015
The " Fire" of your genius still burns on brother. Rest. ... until we meet again.
Tracey
March 7, 2015
Missing James Johnson.
I wonder what more beautiful music you might have made....
Too young!
linda richardson
November 6, 2014
Rest in peace
Lois Weiss
October 18, 2014
got to see Rick at the cemetery looking his best. can sing any duet.
ant jones
September 24, 2014
R.I.P RIC JAMES UR THE REASON I KEEP IT FUNKY TODAY! FUNK ON BROTHA!
September 12, 2014
Rick,I grew up with your musiic, you were my Aunt Prentiss favorite..Love your music
September 12, 2014
Rick,I grew up with your musiic, you were my Aunt Prentiss favorite..
August 6, 2014
Rest in paradise you beautiful person. Never forget your beautiful talent. Please be in peace. Yvette
July 4, 2014
i still love your songs rest in peace rick
rodney welch
May 18, 2014
Rick its been so long since you've been gone today I heard superfreak on the radio.and thought of you.I sent you a request for a autograph picture and you also sent a record superfreak.you were and always be the best.
alphonzo yates
January 27, 2014
fire and desire,your master p,see ya later
Cyndi Burt/Bosley
January 23, 2014
Rick James. It.s Been A Long Time Since You.ve Been Gong I Still Cant Believe You Are Gone. The Radio Station Don,t Play Your Songs Anymore I Hope I Can See You When My Time Comes.The First Song I Heard From You Was Super Freak Love The Song Then Got Your ColdBlooded Album
December 24, 2013
Rick James I love you may you rest with God's Angels you will never be forgotten.
Yvette New York, NY
Theresa Clayborn
December 14, 2013
I miss your face and music but God needed you more .
September 24, 2013
ESCUCHARE TU MUSICA...SIEMPRE...QUE DESCANSES EN PAZ RICK...
Theresa Clayborn
September 7, 2013
I loved you as a man respect you as a person and enjoyed all your music unconditionally! May you rest in God's arms peacefully I know your light is shining in heaven!
Coffi Hall, Ron Johnson, David Colin Burt, Ed Roth, Rick James
David Burt
August 30, 2013
Rest in peace, soul brother. I'll be catching up sooner or later for the big jam session. David Colin Burt
Pamela Kampschmidt
July 15, 2013
I have always liked your music it is a shame that I didn't know you personally. Rest in peace Me.James.your music will live on.
Pamela Kampampschmidt Stockton. CA
debra thomas
April 15, 2013
may you rest in peace
LaRonda Brown
March 31, 2013
Mr. Rick James, Rest In Peace
MJ Brookins
February 5, 2013
RIP Mr. Rick James. Your legacy will live on through those of us who appreciated and still appreciate your musical gifts.
Annie Marie Barnes
January 22, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
January 22, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Elina Casey
December 30, 2012
I remember the first time I heard Super Freak. I was with my brother and we laughed during the entire song. It was cool. RIP Rick.
Gloria McKinney
October 25, 2012
REST IN PEACE RICK JAMES .
LEGGS' DYMOND PHINE GRILLE
July 23, 2012
THANKS FOR FIXING MY RUBY AND DIAMOND CHAIN AND YES IT CAME FROM*GAMBLERS* ON MAIN.YOU SAID *GIVIT TO ME Baby*.WHO KNEW your mom thats who.MISS YOU A LOT.RICK JAMES.WHEN I COME HOME I GO TO FOREST LAWN BY MYSELF AND I LEAVE AN ORCHID FOR YOU AND YES RICK.I STILL CRY.I WISH I COULD SEE ERSKINE AND OSCAR(he is into church)I WAS TOLD.GOOD.BY THE WAY IF YOU SEE JOE THE SAX PLAYER TELL HIM *hi*.THANKS FOR COMING TO THE BBQ UN BODY GUARDED AND IN A PVT. THAT NOBODY KNEW YOU WERE IN BUFFALO EXCEPT YOUR MOM.THANK YOU FOR THE HUGS.AND THAT EVER LASTING SMILE.I MISS YOU JAMES AMBROSE JOHNSON.BUT I MISS*RICK JAMES* MORE.
July 18, 2012
My all time favorite song "Super Freak", no one will ever be able to sing it like Rick did! RIP!
BLU McKay
June 4, 2012
A powerful and Beautiful spirit and soul, Who Never got the Credit that He so rightfully deserved. Luv U Rick! FUNK and LUV!
Cynthia Bosley
May 1, 2012
Good/bye Dear Friend
Cyndi Bosley
April 29, 2012
It broke my heart when I heard on the radio that Rick James had died I just couldn,t believe it I really loved the man. He had a wonderful voice RIP Mr Rick James
Chele Wright
February 20, 2012
Rip
Tandra Watts
January 12, 2012
You was so cool & handsome and in a class all your own. I was a teen when I first heard you & that Mary Jane still sounds good. Thank you so much for introducing Ms Teena Marie,I still get teary eyed when I hear Fire & Desire =o)
May God Bless you & Keep you. RIP
Patricia tucker
August 1, 2011
i miss u so much n now tina marie is gone
i truly luv u both...n hope u 2 r singing n haven....
LISA VANHALEN
July 26, 2011
RICK, YOU AND I GO A LONG WAY BACK, AND I WAS HORRIFYED TO THINK I WOULD NEVER SEE MY FRIEND AGAIN, ALTHOUGH OUR LIVES TOOK US BOTH DOWN VERY DIFFERENT PATHS YOU WERE ALWAY GOOD TO ME AND MY SISTERS ,, AND I AINT NEVER SEEN A MAN IN MY LIFE COME INTO HIS OWN EFFORTLESSLY LIKE YOU IN THE STUDIO,,, PURE GENIOUS,LISA VANHALEN
July 6, 2011
Rick, no one can ever hold a candle to you. Forever a super freak. And talk about "funk" - you and Teena Marie. Save a place for us. Blessings and comfort to your family and those you've left behind.
ROSEMARY RHODES
June 24, 2011
TO THE JAMES FAMILY YOU ALL ARE IN OUR PRAYERS. RICK JAMES WILL CERTAINLY BE MISSED.I HAVE BEEN A FAN FOREVER. RIP LOVE ALWAYS
Stacey ZW
March 30, 2011
I will always remember you, you will always be my SUPER FREAK.
talisa lucas
February 16, 2011
rick u will surely be missed.you were a great singer.
i love your song "superfreak"
'
JJ Walker
January 1, 2011
RICK AND TEENA TOGETHER AGAIN..MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.
Debbie Williams
January 1, 2011
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Teresa Smith
December 31, 2010
Rick we all miss u and by now you must know this,we just lost Teena Marie and with her leaving a young daughter behind has made it even more difficult to deal with her death,her true fans know how much she loved her daughter and loved life,we miss the both of you and love you both,your music will NEVER DIE,GOD BLESS
Terri Couther
December 27, 2010
Now u and Teena can have the everlasting relationship u both wanted. My prayers arewith you both and may god bless you for he is the king of kings.
tiny gray
December 27, 2010
Now that tina has join you once again,youll can sing praises to god.may god bless both of yall family.hope that you are singing up there in heaven.
Is
December 27, 2010
Rick, we lost Teena... God bless you both.
Maria Joffe
November 20, 2010
This may look bad but iam glad i can say something naw i lisen to his song in the 80 i and my boyfriend that were still friends today and its 2010 ...Rick you and i were meant to be i love you and wished you lever died you are allways with me and your sixy musicxoxo MJ
José Brandt
October 21, 2010
Dear Rick, Your music mean so much to me, even though that I live in a country that's very far away from USA and we don't speak english at all, I wanted to Thank you for everything you did, I can't make it through the week without listening to your songs, hope you are having fun in heaven, if you can read or sense this please be by my side one of these days, I'm a musician and always think that you can hear the compositions I play in your honor, Love You Man!
henry mirabal
August 21, 2009
aug 21 09 ! i truely was an avid fan of mr.slick rick. i can not believe that the master of funk has gone on to make heavenly melodies. to me besides, [parlament.he was phenomonal! hands down !no questions asked, end of story. henry mirabal mirabal city.
Jose Crioyos
January 11, 2009
i love your music. r.i.p
Constance(Ebony Eyes) Brown
December 22, 2008
Rick James...words cannot express the pain I feel from your passing but luckily I can always play a tune such as: "You and I", "Mary Jane" or "Fire and Desire" and feel like you're right there w/ me, Rick. The summer of 1978 is when I first fell "in love" w/ Rick James and I will 4ever love you.....ALWAYS.
Yvonne Miles
October 6, 2008
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
BRENDA HUTCHINS
June 14, 2008
Good bye, Rick!
Nick Fayenuwo
June 5, 2008
I was sad when i heard you passing on the radio, i've been a vivid follower of your music up to this day.
You will be solely missed. Rest in Peace.
H. Saleem
April 4, 2008
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Rick James.Another music icon to leave a Great legacy of music to remember and treasure.I especially love Ebony Eyes.The memories of Rick James will be remembered in his songs,style and character.
andrew croudace
December 29, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
your music has many good memories 4 me, rick you rock!!!"time for some garden of love " big hugs too your family
Rachelle Gaines
November 21, 2007
I remember when I was a kid and first saw the album cover with Rick in leather holding a guitar (I think StreetSongs) anyway, I was like WOW he is the coolest. To this day, when I think of you, I just smile because your music was the soundtrack to my childhood. You were truly a genius! You touched my heart and soul. You are greatly missed.
Joel Harrison
November 20, 2007
Life is great when you have no regrets!
sarah wheeler
September 25, 2007
you will be truly miss by all of us.As a child I remember mostly your music being played inside my home livingrm with my silbing and I.My parents and friends truly love you and so did I. May god bless you and rest in peace!
ROBERT BOTTS
August 22, 2007
Rick,
You are missed and loved. May your soul rest in the peace only God can give.
misty adrian
August 13, 2007
You have a soothing voice. After my husband left me, this song changed my life and my children's life. I went to rehab. Sleep with the angels. You are at a better place now. Happy all of the time.
LaTisha Gillard
July 11, 2007
Rick, James
Your legend will live on for ever you lived your life to the fullestand did it your way, i respect that.
may you rest in peace.
Robyn Waters
August 18, 2006
Rick my sweet,
You will always be a part of me as long as there is a me.
Your symphonic words will always be a part of the soundtrack of my life.
Your attitude will always be an inspiration to be who I am and not who I am expected to be.
You lived hard
and played harder.
Your physical being is gone
but YOU Mr. James haven't died;
you merely moved to a higher plain
to give your body much needed rest and enjoy the fruits of your long labor... eternally.
With love eternally
Robyn Waters-One of the keepers of your castle.
kathy brown
June 23, 2006
kathy brown of cinti ohio. I will always love you rick. I had my first child listening to fire and desire. I love you
DeeCee Skyy
June 21, 2006
One of the saddest things in life for me, is that I never got to see RICK JAMES live in concert. But I play his music for my children and grandchildren often. We will keep the funk alive.
Antonio Salazar
June 15, 2006
Thanks for your music, it was and is still so inspiring. I can't even express what you and your music means to me. You are truly misssed, but won't be forgotten.
sharon stafford
May 31, 2006
My heart goes out the the family of the late great Mr. Rick James. No one can do it like Rick James. You will be missed terribly. Rest in peace.
The Stafford Family
michelle byers
April 26, 2006
Rest in Peace,You will truely be missed,I am gave that I had tape the awards show with him and Tina Marie together singing together,that was something eles,I laugh and laugh,when he pull her to him, Hes a Freak,Super Freak We all love you,and always will
Jared Walker
April 24, 2006
Rest in peace Rick.
paris mixon
April 20, 2006
We miss you Rick
JEROME RUSSELL
March 28, 2006
MY NAME IS JEROME RUSSELL AND
I MISS HIM SO MUCH
AND MAY GOD BE WITH YOU ALL,AND
KEEP HIS M---- ALIVE LOVE U ALL.
sheryl bush
February 3, 2006
I LOVE YOU RICK MY BD IS THE 2ND
Pam Robinson
February 2, 2006
Happy Birthday Rick, We all miss you down here ......
felicia bridges
February 2, 2006
Happy Brithday miss you
james green
February 2, 2006
Rest in Peace Rick,You will be missed and you are truly one of the great entertainers i got to know and love through your music,you sure could rock a party and a club scene with your music, Rest in peace Slick Rick peace
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