Ricky Helton Wilson (March 19, 1953 – October 12, 1985) 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. The B-52's was founded in 1977, when Ricky, his sister Cindy,
Kate Pierson,
Keith Strickland and
Fred Schneider shared a tropical
Flaming Volcano drink at a Chinese restaurant and, after an impromptu
music session at the home of their friend Owen Scott III, played for the first time at a
Valentine's Day party for friends.