Richard Lee Steacker's introduction into the recording industry began with Grover Washington Jr. on the highly successful album “Live at the Bijou", scripting two compositions, On the Cusp and Lock it in the Pocket and co-writing three other songs with the band Locksmith. Richard composed over 12 songs for and with Grover; co-producing his composition "Check Out Grover" and recorded on eight of Grover’s CDs, receiving two Gold Albums and one Platinum for his contributions. In 1982 Clive Davis personally signed him as a group member of Locksmith with Arista Records. Locksmith recorded two albums, the first produced by Harvey Mason, the second by Wayne Henderson. He received Special Thanks on Stevie Wonders’ album “The Secret Life of Plants” and has performed and recorded with numerous celebrated artist including Pieces of a Dream, Hank Crawford, Gerald Veasley, Nestor Torres, and Donald Byrd. In 1982 Richard produced the top Salsa band in Philly, Lucena, giving them their first single “Latin Lady, Latin Lover”, also producing the New World group Siembra. From 1983 to 1999 he reunited with Grover Washington Jr. precisely to the day Grover suddenly passed away following a video segment for the CBS Morning Show.
From the early love of guitarists like Wes Montgomery, Jim Hall, Jimi Hendrix and George Benson; Rhythm n’ Blues, and Jazz were the guiding foundations of his musical career. After studying at Ohio University for a year, he immersed himself in the Philadelphia music circuit, playing with the best Philly had to offer. He has been the musical director for the hit “Hey There Lonely Girl” vocalist Eddie Holman, guitarist for famed Philly progressive jazz/rock band Good God and the group Love and Peace, as well as musical director for the Flamingos reunited tour noted for their hit "I Only Have Eyes for You". He also wrote, performed, produced and recorded for legendary singer Chubby Checker in the mid 90's. Formed his own group, Messenger, an eight piece ensemble performing in and around Philadelphia, appearing as an opening act for the Latin legend Eddie Palmieri. In 1976, when Darrell Washington introduced Richard to his brother, legendary saxophonist Grover Washington Jr., it resulted in a 20 year career of composing, recording and touring with the Grammy Award winning saxophonist.
Presently Richard has collaborated with the artistry of pianist/producer Lannie Battistini, bringing his vision and energy to craft a Island/Latin/Jazz remake of the Grover Washington Jr. classic hit Sausalito. He also appears on the recently released Grover Washington Jr. live concert cd, recorded at The Paramount Center for the Arts in 1997 entitled "Grover Live."
Richard has over 200 songs in his catalogue; incorporating the love of Latin music into his works, represented by his composition Siempre Para Ti (Only for You) co-written with Grover and produced by Sergio George. His compositions have appeared on The ABC soap operas All My Children and General Hospital as well as World News Tonight.
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