It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Houston Legend Ricky Diaz Sr. on January 17, 2023.  Enrique H. Diaz, Sr. was born on April 5, 1931 in Piedras Negras, Mexico and was a celebrated pianist, composer, arranger and a prominent figure in the music and entertainment industry who made a name for himself in both California and Houston, Texas.  He created and performed beautiful music for 80 years of his life and, on his arrival in Houston in 1963, established the Ricky Diaz Orchestra.  He worked with numerous celebrities, including Judy Garland, Tony Bennett, Bob Hope, Sammy Davis Jr., The Platters, Mel Tormé, and Frank Sinatra.  He also toured as her pianist with jazz singer Miss Marilyn Maye.  Mr. Diaz was the conductor of music in Lake Tahoe,  Las Vegas, and the Radio City Music Hall in New York City.  There he had the pleasure of leading the Johnny Carson Tonight Show Orchestra. The Ricky Diaz Band opened the Hyatt Regency Hotel, the former Remington and now The St. Regis.  Mr. Diaz has had the privilege of playing for Presidents John F. Kennedy, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush during their visits to Houston.

Mr. Diaz came from a musical family, and was greatly influenced by his father Lebrado Diaz who, recognizing his son's musical talent at a young age, became his first piano instructor.  Mr. Diaz began his musical career at the tender age of 10.  He performed on stage with bands playing the piano, saxophone and trumpet by ear, in addition to sight-reading the charts.  He studied with and greatly respected Mr. Pat Gutierrez to whom he credited much of the knowledge and skills he gained in his career.

Mr. Diaz adored his loving wife, Belen Compean Diaz.  She was a constant source of inspiration to him throughout his life.  Whenever she shared the stage beside him, she captivated audiences everywhere with her beautiful singing voice and charisma.  She was his true heart and soul throughout their 65 years of marriage.

Ricky Diaz, "El Maestro," leaves behind a legacy of beautiful and inspirational music, and a lasting impact on the musicians with whom he worked.  We extend our gratitude to all the musicians who have worked with Ricky Diaz Sr. in his Orchestra over the years and helped bring to life the genius of our father.

The family invites you to celebrate the life of Ricky Diaz Sr. and his contributions to the world of music.