Biography
The amazing seed of music was planted in his spirit when as a child he watched his great uncle, Richard Davenport, play his guitar; when in his youth his father made him a set of bongos from coffee cans; when his mother encouraged him to explore his gifts. From that point on, he was hooked on that thing called music.
Flick was born and raised in Buffalo, New York at a time when the music scene was vibrant. The sounds of bands playing and musicians practicing could be heard in every corner of the city, and he knew that he had to be a part of that sound. In grade school he took violin, and clarinet lessons. In Jr. High he moved on to the saxophone, flute, and was a member of the Choir. Flick went on to Buffalo’s East High School, which at that time was a musician’s candy store. People like Grover Washington, Rick James, Kenny Hawkins, the Shaw brothers, Jerry Livingston, and most of the hottest musicians on the local scene passed through those doors. He was in the school band, the choir, participated in talent shows, and though he was under age, Flick was playing in clubs with some of the hottest bands in town.
It was at this time that he began to write and arrange music in various styles. He practiced and grew musically with the help of his brothers who are also musicians. Wile at East High, Donald Hilliard, his high school music teacher, talked to him about the importance of a college education in attaining his goals, and arranged an audition at Hampton University. He was accepted, and received a music scholarship.
During his stay at Hampton, Flick served as President of his freshman class, worked on the school newspaper, was a member of the Concert and Gospel Choir’s, The Hampton Players Drama Club, and was active in all aspects of college life. Also wile at Hampton he was blessed to work professionally with artist such as Bill Lee, Ron Carter, Olivia Newton John, Stevie Wonder, and Quazar.
After Graduation Flick recorded, and toured with many groups and artist including Rick James. Flick not only flourished as a performer but also blossomed as a writer. It was during this period that he wrote and produced two video productions for cable 10 in Buffalo. " Buffalo More Than a City ", and " The Wish ".
Flick has also performed as an actor in many productions: "Tremonisha", "Porgy and Bess", "The Duplex", Don’t Bother Me I Can’t Cope", Two Trains Running", and "The Depot". Flick has served as a teacher in the Buffalo Public School System, worked as a music teacher at the State University of New York at Buffalo’s summer youth program, Musical Director of Ujima Theatre, and was an Artist in Residence at the Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts.
Throughout his career as a writer, arranger, and performer he has never confined himself to one style of music. The one thing that remains constant in his musical journey is writing, exploring, and painting musical pictures in various styles. From Jazz to Classical, R & B to Reggae, the music is what’s important not the label.
And a message from Richard Lamonte Williams (Flick).
I have been blessed to express the feelings of the soul through music, and what I’ve received through these blessings far exceed what I could ever give. Through the love of my family and friends, and those close to my heart. Through the strength of my ancestors, and through the grace of God, I leave you with this:
Plant a seed of Love,
In the soil of Hope.
Nurture it with the Nectar of Wisdom
Smile and watch it Grow.
Flick
