Ricky May

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Ricky May (born 1944, Onehunga, Auckland, New Zealand; d. 1 June 1988) was a musician who found fame in New Zealand and Australia.

He was of Māori descent. He played drums but was known best as a vocalist. He would often introduce unconventional vocalisations, improvisation and spoken-word while singing.

In 1962 he moved to Australia and began a career in cabaret. He found national fame and popularity with the show Hey Hey It's Saturday. He remained obese throughout his adult years and died from a heart attack in 1988.

Successful singles:

  • "Let's Twist Again"/"Hucklebuck" La Gloria (1961)
  • "I Could Have Danced All Night"/"Ballin' The Jack" La Gloria (1962)
  • "This Little Boy's Gone Rockin' "/"Spanish Harlem" RCA (1966)
  • "Built For Comfort (I Ain't Built For Speed)"/"Off The Record" WEA 7-259903 (1983)

Successful albums:

  • "Ricky May" J&B JB-057 (1980)
  • "Fats Enough" ABC L-60011/12 (1983)
  • "It's The Christmas Man" Festival L-38686 (1986)
  • "Just Foolin' Around - A Tribute To Louis Armstrong" ABC L-60027 (1987)


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