Ricky Wilson(1953-1985)

Ricky Wilson was an American musician best known as the original guitarist and founding member of rock band The B-52's. Born in Athens, Georgia, Wilson was the brother of fellow member Cindy Wilson. At an early age, Wilson developed an interest in music, and learned how to play folk guitar from the PBS series Learning Folk Guitar. Wilson's unusual guitar tunings were a large contribution to the band's quirky sound. In addition to his work with The B-52's, Wilson played the guitar on the song "Breakin' in My Heart" on Tom Verlaine's self-titled debut album in 1979. This was his only non-B-52's appearance on record. He also appeared in various films, namely One-Trick Pony (1980).