Ricky Riccardi is a jazz historian, author, pianist, and Director of Research Collections at the Louis Armstrong House Museum. With a deep passion for preserving the legacy of Louis Armstrong, he has written critically acclaimed biographies on the jazz legend and won a Grammy Award in 2022 for Best Album Notes.
Riccardi is also a renowned lecturer, archivist, and music researcher, frequently speaking at jazz institutions, universities, and international festivals. His latest book, Stomp Off, Let’s Go: The Early Years of Louis Armstrong (2025), provides an in-depth look into Armstrong’s early life and rise to fame.
In this article, we will explore Ricky Riccardi’s net worth, biography, career, books, education, achievements, and contributions to jazz research.
Ricky Riccardi Short Details
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ricky Riccardi |
| Profession | Jazz Historian, Author, Archivist, Pianist |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | B.A. in Journalism, M.A. in Jazz History and Research (Rutgers University) |
| Years Active | 2009–present |
| Notable Works | What a Wonderful World: The Magic of Louis Armstrong’s Later Years, Heart Full of Rhythm, Stomp Off, Let’s Go |
| Awards | Grammy Award (2022) – Best Album Notes |
| Organization | Louis Armstrong House Museum (Director of Research Collections) |
| Website | dippermouth.blogspot.com |
Early Life and Education
Ricky Riccardi developed a passion for jazz at a young age, particularly after discovering Louis Armstrong in 1995. The first Armstrong performance he ever saw was “Basin Street Blues”, which left a lasting impression and shaped his lifelong dedication to Armstrong’s music and legacy.
He pursued higher education at Rutgers University, earning:
- A B.A. in Journalism
- A Master’s Degree in Jazz History and Research
During his time at Rutgers, he became deeply involved in jazz research and archival studies, leading to his future work at the Louis Armstrong House Museum.
Career Highlights
Director of Research Collections – Louis Armstrong House Museum
Since 2009, Riccardi has worked at the Louis Armstrong House Museum, first as an archivist and now as Director of Research Collections.
His role involves:
- Managing and curating over 60,000 pieces of archival materials related to Louis Armstrong.
- Making the archives accessible to researchers worldwide.
- Organizing exhibitions, research programs, and educational initiatives to promote Armstrong’s legacy.
- Co-producing album reissues and writing liner notes for major Louis Armstrong releases with Universal Music and Mosaic Records.
Grammy-Winning Work in Jazz Archival Research
- In 2022, Riccardi won a Grammy Award for Best Album Notes for The Complete Louis Armstrong Columbia and RCA Victor Studio Sessions 1946-1966.
- His detailed liner notes have been featured in over a dozen Armstrong releases.
Jazz Pianist and Educator
- Riccardi has played piano since the age of seven and has performed with various jazz bands in New York and New Orleans.
- He has led his own small jazz groups in New Jersey since 1999.
- He frequently lectures at jazz institutions, including Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Swing University, Queens College, and Satchmo SummerFest in New Orleans.
Books by Ricky Riccardi
| Title | Year | Publisher | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| What a Wonderful World: The Magic of Louis Armstrong’s Later Years | 2011 | Pantheon Books | A biography focusing on Armstrong’s final decades, debunking myths about his later career. |
| Heart Full of Rhythm: The Big Band Years of Louis Armstrong | 2020 | Oxford University Press | Explores Armstrong’s career during the Swing Era, highlighting his contributions to big band jazz. |
| Stomp Off, Let’s Go: The Early Years of Louis Armstrong | 2025 | Oxford University Press | A deep dive into Armstrong’s formative years in New Orleans, Chicago, and his rise to stardom. |
About Stomp Off, Let’s Go (2025)
This highly anticipated book explores how Louis Armstrong rose to fame, using never-before-seen archival materials. Riccardi integrates:
- Rare documents from Armstrong’s second wife, Lil Hardin Armstrong.
- New perspectives on Armstrong’s musical and personal evolution.
- Insights into the early jazz scene of New Orleans and Chicago.
The book has received critical acclaim and is considered a definitive account of Armstrong’s early years.
Ricky Riccardi Net Worth and Income Sources
Riccardi’s net worth is primarily from his work as an author, jazz historian, and archivist.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | $1.5 Million |
| Primary Income Source | Writing (Books, Liner Notes) |
| Additional Income | Speaking Engagements, Lecturing, Jazz Performances |
Lesser-Known Facts About Ricky Riccardi
- He first discovered Louis Armstrong in 1995, watching a performance of “Basin Street Blues.”
- His personal blog, Dippermouth.blogspot.com, is one of the most respected resources on Armstrong’s life and music.
- He won a Grammy in 2022 for writing the Best Album Notes for The Complete Louis Armstrong Columbia and RCA Victor Studio Sessions 1946-1966.
- He has played piano since the age of seven and regularly performs in jazz clubs in New Jersey and New York.
- His first book, “What a Wonderful World,” was featured on NPR and The New York Times.
- He co-produced multiple reissues of Armstrong’s albums with Universal Music and Mosaic Records.
- He has delivered lectures at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem and the Institute of Jazz Studies.
- He advocates for Armstrong’s values, not just his music, believing that Armstrong’s message of joy and unity is as important as his contributions to jazz.
- His latest book, “Stomp Off, Let’s Go,” is based on newly discovered archival materials from the Louis Armstrong House Museum.
- He lives in New Jersey with his family and continues to work tirelessly to preserve Armstrong’s legacy.
FAQs About Ricky Riccardi
Q: What is Ricky Riccardi’s most famous book?
A: What a Wonderful World: The Magic of Louis Armstrong’s Later Years (2011) is widely regarded as his most famous work.
Q: What award did Ricky Riccardi win in 2022?
A: He won a Grammy Award for Best Album Notes for The Complete Louis Armstrong Columbia and RCA Victor Studio Sessions 1946-1966.
Q: What is his latest book about?
A: Stomp Off, Let’s Go (2025) explores Louis Armstrong’s early years in New Orleans and Chicago, featuring rare archival materials.
Q: What is his educational background?
A: He holds a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Jazz History and Research from Rutgers University.
Q: Does Ricky Riccardi play music himself?
A: Yes, he has been a jazz pianist since childhood and performs regularly.
Conclusion
Ricky Riccardi is a leading authority on Louis Armstrong, a celebrated author, historian, pianist, and archivist. His meticulous research, dedication, and passion for jazz history have helped preserve Armstrong’s legacy for future generations. With a Grammy Award and several acclaimed books, Riccardi remains one of the most influential jazz historians today.
NOTE: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify details from reliable sources.
