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Rick Cua
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Key Information
Rick Cua (born December 3, 1948) is an American Christian rock singer, songwriter, bassist, author and ordained minister. He is a former member of the Southern rock band, Outlaws, whom he joined in 1980, but left in 1983 to pursue a full-time career in contemporary Christian music, the year after, wherein he gained popularity throughout most of the 1980s as a leather-jacket-wearing rocker with an arena rock sound featuring big, shout-along choruses.[1]
Background
[edit]After recording with Reunion and Sparrow records, he signed to Reunion in 1988, where his works began to take on a softer, more radio-friendly tone that included "sentimental ballads and pop-rock anthems in the style of Michael Bolton."[2] Cua left Reunion in 1992 after just over a decade of radio airplay including six No. 1 Christian radio songs, creating his own label, UCA Records, on which he recorded three studio albums in the 1990s but received little radio play. He was nominated for a Dove Award and has received various other awards and recognition.
Cua took a hiatus from recording in 1998 and went to work as vice president of the creative department at EMI Christian Music Publishing, where he stayed until 2003.[3][4] He focused on managing his own two companies: Rick Cua Entertainment, which manages artists and works in music publishing, film and TV licensing;[5] and All for the King Music, offering coaching and inspiration to lay musicians through workshops and free electronic delivery of original worship music.[6][7]
Celebrating his 25th year in ministry, Cua released his twelfth album, Won't Fade Away, in 2007. It was his first album in ten years.[3]
Cua's father, his veteran guitar teacher, Basilio "Buz" Cua, died on May 19, 2009, at the age of 90 in his home town of Syracuse, New York. Cua was unable to go to his father's funeral, due to successful prostate cancer surgery.[8]
Discography
[edit]Koo-Ah (Recorded at Glaser Recording Studio and Lower Level Studio, Nashville, TN.)
- Released: 1982
- Label: Refuge
- Tracks: Ten
- Singles: You Can Still Rock 'n Roll (#1 Christian Radio Hit)
No Mystery (feat. Ian Bairnson on guitar)
- Released: 1983
- Label: Refuge
- Released: 1985
- Label: Sparrow
- Producer: Dave Perkins
- Singles: "You're My Road" and "Don't Say Suicide"
- Released: 1986
- Label: Sparrow
- Producer: Dave Perkins
- Singles: "Wear Your Colors" and "This Raging Fire"
- Released: 1991
- Label: Reunion
- Producer: John Elefante, Dino Elefante
- Singles: "Message Of Love" and "Heaven Won't Stop The Rain"
- Released: 1992
- Label: Reunion
- Producer: Bill Cuomo, John Leslie Hug, Robert White Johnson,
- Singles: "What If?"
- Released: 1993
- Label: Reunion
Like A Cool Drink (with the Ah-Koo-Sticks)
- Released: 1997
- Label: UCA
- Released: 2007
- Label: UCA
- Producer: Tony Morra
- Singles: "Won't Fade Away"
References
[edit]- ^ Alfonso, Barry. The Billboard Guide to Contemporary Christian Music. New York: Billboard, 2002. p. 148-49.
- ^ Larkin, Colin, ed. The Encyclopedia of Popular Music Vol 2. New York: MUZE, Inc., 1998.
- ^ a b RickCua.com: Rick Cua Bio. Retrieved November 2, 2007.
- ^ "Rick Cua". christianmusicarchive.com.
- ^ Bialczak, Mark. "A Family Affair: Buz, Nick and Rick Cua Headed to Sammy's Hall of Fame." The Post-Standard. May 31, 2006: p.E5. Infotrac Custom Newspapers. Thomson Gale. Peter Armacost Library at Eckerd College. November 4, 2007.
- ^ About Cua's All For the King ministry. Retrieved November 2, 2007.
- ^ About Cua's coaching ministry. Retrieved November 2, 2007.
- ^ "Syracuse Area Music Awards Hall-of-Famer Basilio 'Buz' Cua passes away at age 90". syracuse.com. May 20, 2009.
External links
[edit]
Rick Cua
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Early Life
Birth and Family Background
Rick Cua was born on December 3, 1948, in Syracuse, New York.[12] He was raised in a faithful Roman Catholic family of Italian-American heritage, attending churches such as Our Lady of Pompei on Syracuse's North Side.[4] Cua's father was a musician, providing early familial exposure to music, while the vibrant local music scene in Syracuse further influenced his childhood interests.[10][13] He attended Henninger High School in Syracuse.[4]Education and Musical Beginnings
Rick Cua attended Henninger High School in Syracuse, New York, graduating in 1966.[14][15] Following high school, he enrolled at Onondaga Community College, where he completed three semesters studying liberal arts subjects such as English and Western Civilization, but did not earn a degree as his focus shifted toward music.[13] Cua's musical journey began in childhood, influenced by his Italian heritage, when he started learning the accordion and famously played the piece "Lady of Spain."[16] He progressed through several instruments, including piano, trumpet, clarinet, and guitar, before settling on bass guitar as his primary instrument.[16][2] Much of his skill development was self-taught and gained through practical experience rather than formal lessons. By age 14, in the 1960s, during his high school years, Cua immersed himself in the local music scene by forming the band The Legends with friends, performing at schools and parties across Syracuse.[16][13][2] The group played gigs frequently, sometimes six or seven nights a week, earning modest fees of $3 to $4 per member per night, which honed his performance abilities and solidified his commitment to music as a career path.[16]Religious Conversion and Personal Life
Spiritual Awakening
Rick Cua was raised as a faithful Roman Catholic in Syracuse, New York, where he developed an early sense of God's presence, though he did not yet have a personal relationship with Christ.[5] Several years into his marriage to Diana, she experienced her own conversion to evangelical Christianity and began praying fervently for Rick's salvation, committing five years to intercession on his behalf.[2][5] This persistent influence from his wife played a pivotal role in drawing him toward faith, contrasting with his Catholic upbringing by emphasizing a personal, born-again experience.[4] In 1977, Cua attended a nondenominational Pentecostal church, where he underwent his personal salvation experience and committed his life to Christ.[5] This transformative moment marked a profound shift from his previous spiritual framework, as he later reflected on the Holy Spirit's longstanding conviction in his life even before this commitment.[6] The evangelical emphasis of the Pentecostal setting provided a stark contrast to his Roman Catholic roots, fostering a deeper, relational understanding of God that reshaped his identity and priorities.[5] Following his conversion, Cua immediately sought to align his life with his newfound faith, cleaning up personal habits and embracing a love for the Lord that altered his worldview fundamentally.[5] This spiritual renewal instilled a conviction that his music career in secular rock no longer fit his calling, prompting an initial resolve to transition away from it toward expressing his beliefs through Christian ministry.[2][6]Marriage and Family
Rick Cua married his high school sweetheart, Diana Circello, in 1970 at the age of 21.[2][4] Several years into their marriage, Diana accepted Christ as her Savior and began praying for Rick's salvation, exerting a profound influence on his spiritual journey that culminated in his own commitment to Christ in 1977.[6][5] The couple has shared a long-term partnership marked by mutual support through Rick's career shifts, including his departure from secular rock with The Outlaws to pursue contemporary Christian music in the early 1980s; Diana's steadfast faith and prayers provided essential emotional and spiritual stability during these transitions.[6][2] Rick and Diana raised two daughters, Niki and Nina, and as of recent years, they have two grandchildren.[12][2] The family has resided in Franklin, Tennessee, where they continue to nurture their close-knit bond amid Rick's ongoing ministry work.[2][4] Tragically, their daughter Niki passed away on April 26, 2022, at the age of 51.[17][18]Music Career
Time with The Outlaws
Rick Cua joined the Southern rock band The Outlaws in 1980, taking on the role of bassist after establishing himself as a skilled musician in the Syracuse, New York, scene.[4] His addition came at a time when the band was seeking to refresh its lineup amid lineup changes, bringing a tight, funk-influenced bass style honed from earlier local bands like The Legends.[13] During his two-year tenure, Cua contributed to the band's albums Ghost Riders (1980) and Playin' to Win (1981), providing bass support on tracks that blended the group's characteristic dual guitar harmonies with harder-edged rock elements, including the title track "(Ghost) Riders in the Sky" from the former.[19][20] The album Ghost Riders achieved gold status, marking a commercial peak for the Outlaws and showcasing Cua's role in their evolving sound. He also participated in extensive touring, including high-profile shows like the 1981 Rockpalast festival in Germany, where his rhythmic foundation anchored live renditions of staples such as "Green Grass and High Tides," energizing crowds with the band's southern rock intensity.[21] Cua's time with the Outlaws ended in 1982, as his growing spiritual convictions led him to depart and redirect his musical talents toward contemporary Christian music.[10] This transition reflected a personal calling to integrate faith into his artistry, prompting him to leave behind the secular rock circuit for ministry-focused work.[2]Solo Christian Music Career
After departing from the southern rock band The Outlaws in 1982, Rick Cua fully committed to a career in contemporary Christian music (CCM), building on his debut release that year. His first album, Koo-Ah, was issued in 1982 by Refuge Records, marking his entry into the genre with a rock-infused sound that reflected his secular rock background. This signing with Refuge, a label aimed at bridging secular and Christian audiences, allowed Cua to blend his established bass playing and songwriting skills into faith-based themes.[5][8] Cua's early work emphasized rock-oriented Christian music, evident in hits like "You Can Still Rock 'n Roll," which topped Christian radio charts in 1982 and became a signature anthem encouraging believers to maintain their passion for music post-conversion. Over the subsequent decades, his style evolved toward adult-oriented rock (AOR) and pop rock influences, incorporating elements of blues, funk, R&B, and gospel while preserving a high-energy, guitar-driven edge. This progression is showcased in later releases such as Can't Stand Too Tall (1988) and Midnight Sun (1989), where he explored more melodic structures and themes of evangelism and personal testimony, contributing to his reputation as a versatile CCM artist.[8][4][5] Throughout his over 40-year tenure in CCM, Cua released 12 solo albums and achieved significant industry impact, including six No. 1 radio singles and nine Top 5 hits, alongside Dove Award nominations. He took on production roles for his own projects and others, collaborating with producers like Dave Perkins and Tony Morra to shape the sound of 1980s and 1990s Christian rock. Additionally, Cua served as head of EMI Christian Music Publishing for five years in the late 1990s and early 2000s, overseeing creative development and artist management, and founded his own imprint, UCA Records, in 1992 to further support emerging talent. This leadership extended his influence beyond performance, solidifying his longevity as a foundational figure in the genre.[2][12][5]Ministry and Other Contributions
Ordained Ministry and Industry Roles
Rick Cua was ordained as a minister in the early 1990s, following a decision in the late 1980s to pursue formal pastoral involvement as part of a broader community of church leaders. By 2007, he had served in ordained ministry for over 15 years, and as of 2025, this tenure extends to more than 32 years. His ordination enabled deeper engagement in spiritual guidance, aligning his music career with ecclesiastical responsibilities.[5][2] In the Christian music industry, Cua held significant leadership positions, including serving as Vice President of the Creative Department at EMI Christian Music Publishing from 1998 to 2003, where he contributed to artist development and copyright management during a period of major restructuring at the company. In 1992, he founded UCA Records (United Christian Alliance) with his wife Diana, acting as president and focusing on supporting Christian artists who were already active in ministry, releasing albums such as his own Songs to Live By (1993) and Times Ten (1995). As a record producer, Cua helmed his own solo projects and additional works for other artists in contemporary Christian music (CCM), extending his influence beyond performance to shape production standards in the genre.[22][5][2][23][24] Cua's church ministry includes worship leading and pastoral care; he has rotated on the worship team at Grace Chapel in Leiper's Fork, Tennessee, led small groups, and pastored a home church for a season. Currently, he serves as Pastoral Care Pastor at Southall Church in Franklin, Tennessee, emphasizing mentoring and spiritual support through speaking and music. These roles underscore his commitment to integrating worship with everyday ministry.[5][2] Through these positions, Cua has had a lasting impact on CCM by bridging artistic production with spiritual mentorship, fostering emerging talents via publishing and label work while providing guidance that emphasized faith-integrated creativity over four decades in the industry.[8][2]Authorship and Teaching
Rick Cua published his book What Are You Known For? Building Your Legacy One Brick At A Time in April 2020 through All for the King Media, a work comprising 31 chapters that blend personal stories from his life with scriptural references and reflections on themes such as calling, discernment, growth, identity, love, perseverance, and purpose.[25] The book emphasizes building a Christ-centered legacy "brick by brick" through Godly principles and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, drawing on Cua's experiences as a musician and minister to inspire readers toward active, impactful living.[25] Endorsed by Christian leaders including Dr. Kevin Leman and Matt Redman, it serves as a concise yet enduring guide to aligning one's life with biblical wisdom.[25] In 2023, Cua released an accompanying What Are You Known For?: 31-Day Devotional & Journal, also published by All for the King Media, designed to facilitate daily engagement with the book's core ideas through scripture, prayers, and reflective prompts.[26] This devotional extends the original text's focus on legacy and faith by encouraging users to apply its principles in a structured, month-long format, reinforcing themes of personal growth and spiritual discernment.[27] Beyond writing, Cua has actively taught on worship leading, songwriting, and the integration of scripture into music, often framing these as essential for communicating God's love effectively.[12] He describes his passion for "wrapping the Word around songs," a practice rooted in his decades of experience in Christian music production and performance, which he shares through speaking engagements and mentoring aspiring musicians.[12] These teachings highlight how biblical truths can infuse creative expression, drawing from his own career transitions to underscore perseverance and purpose in artistic ministry.[6] In recent years, Cua has extended his educational outreach through podcasts, such as the December 2024 episode "#8 Radical Kindness" on the One Collective's Collective Impact Podcast, where he shares life lessons on faith, compassion, and building meaningful connections amid personal and professional challenges.[10] During the discussion, he reflects on his journey from secular rock to ordained ministry, advocating for "radical kindness" as a Holy Spirit-led response to division, while mentoring others on balancing dreams with relational priorities.[10]Discography
Albums with The Outlaws
During Rick Cua's tenure with The Outlaws from 1980 to 1982, the band maintained its signature Southern rock style, characterized by a triple-guitar attack featuring intricate harmonies and a blend of hard rock energy with country and blues influences.[28] This period marked a continuation of their commercial momentum, with albums achieving moderate chart success on the Billboard 200 amid the evolving Southern rock scene.[29] Cua contributed as bassist, providing foundational grooves that supported the band's dual-lead guitar dynamics, while also adding guitar parts and backing vocals on select tracks.[30][31] The band's sixth studio album, Ghost Riders (Arista, 1980), was recorded with Cua on bass, guitar, and vocals, capturing their high-energy live sound in a studio setting.[30] Released on November 22, 1980, it peaked at number 25 on the Billboard 200, driven by the title track "(Ghost) Riders in the Sky," a cover of the classic cowboy ballad that Cua helped anchor with his rhythmic bass lines and harmonic support.[29][32] The single reached number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing the band's ability to infuse traditional Americana with rock vigor.[33] Key tracks like "Devil's Road" and "Freedom Walk" highlighted Cua's bass work in driving the album's extended jams and anthemic choruses, contributing to its reputation as a solid entry in their discography despite lineup changes.[34] In 1982, The Outlaws released Los Hombres Malo (Arista), their seventh studio album and final one for the label during Cua's membership, where he played bass and provided vocals.[31] The album, produced by Gary Lyons, leaned into a harder-edged sound with metallic guitar tones but retained Southern rock roots, peaking at number 77 on the Billboard 200.[35] Cua's bass contributions were prominent in songs such as "Get It Up" and "Race Track Blues," offering steady propulsion amid the band's shifting personnel and the era's commercial pressures on Southern rock acts.[36] No major singles emerged from this release, though it represented the culmination of Cua's involvement before his departure.[37]Solo Studio Albums
Rick Cua launched his solo Christian music career with a series of rock-infused albums in the 1980s, transitioning to more polished contemporary Christian sounds in subsequent releases. His discography reflects a blend of personal faith themes, energetic anthems, and reflective ballads, produced under major labels before shifting to independent ventures.| Album | Release Year | Label | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Koo-Ah | 1982 | Refuge Records | Debut album featuring the #1 Christian radio single "You Can Still Rock 'n Roll," blending southern rock influences with spiritual lyrics.[8][38] |
| No Mystery | 1983 | Refuge Records | Follow-up emphasizing themes of transformation, with standout track "He Lives In Me."[39][40] |
| You're My Road | 1985 | Sparrow Records | Explored personal faith journeys via the title track and "Don't Say Suicide," achieving radio success.[41][42] |
| Wear Your Colors | 1986 | Sparrow Records | Upbeat collection with singles "Wear Your Colors" and "This Raging Fire," highlighting Cua's vocal range.[43][44] |
| Can't Stand Too Tall | 1988 | Reunion Records | Softer pop-rock direction, peaking at No. 33 on Billboard's Top Contemporary Christian chart.[45] |
| Midnight Sun | 1989 | Reunion Records | Included the single "I'll Be Satisfied," focusing on encouragement and perseverance.[46][47] |
| Within Reach | 1991 | Reunion Records | Featured singles "Message Of Love" and "Heaven Won't Stop The Rain," produced by the Elefante brothers.[48][49] |
| The Way Love Is | 1992 | Reunion Records | Reflective work on relational faith, with track "What If."[50][40] |
| Songs to Live By | 1993 | Independent | Collection of inspirational tracks emphasizing daily faith application. |
| Times Ten | 1995 | United Christian Alliance | Independent release with themes of multiplication in faith and ministry.[23] |
| Like a Cool Drink | 1997 | United Christian Alliance | Focused on refreshment through spiritual truths, limited radio play.[23] |
| Won't Fade Away | 2007 | All For The King Music | Marked Cua's return after a decade, celebrating 25 years in ministry with enduring rock elements.[51][23] |
| Let the Healing Begin | 2009 | Independent (Blues Counsel collaboration) | Emphasized healing and restoration in lyrics. |
| Muscle Shoals Sessions | 2013 | Independent | Recorded in Muscle Shoals, blending blues and rock with faith messages. |
| Slow Demolition | 2017 | Independent | Continued exploration of personal and spiritual growth.[52] |
| Love Infusion | 2019 | Independent | Themes of love and infusion of grace in daily life. |
| The Ultimate Collection | 2025 | Independent | Compilation of career highlights, released as of November 2025. |