Jazz/Soul Artist Ricky Hopkins Signs with Return Records

Return Records is proud to announce the completion of a partnership with notable jazz and soul artist Ricky Hopkins from Los Angeles. Ricky Hopkins began playing saxophone at the age of 11, while attending Palms Middle School in Los Angeles. Ricky attended the world-renowned Alexander Hamilton High School Academy of Music in 1999.

Under the direction of faculty, Dan Taguchi, Greg Robinson, and Vance Miller, Hopkins quickly learned all about various styles of music, including, jazz and classical music. In 2003, Hopkins graduated from Hamilton High School and was admitted (on scholarship) to the University of California, Irvine, where he studied jazz under the direction of world-renowned pianist, Kei Akagi (Miles Davis’s last keyboardist), trumpeter Dr. Bobby Rodriguez (Brothers Johnson), and saxophonist Charles Owens (Buddy Rich Band, Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra). Hopkins, 36, has performed with a number of notable artists, including: Billy Ray Cyrus, Ernie Andrews, Zane Carney, Charles Owens and many others.

He stays involved in a variety of musical experiences, having recently been a member of the funk/jam band “GrooveSession” and previously progressive rock band, “Sixstep.” He currently freelances with numerous groups in the LA/OC music scenes and is a member of the supergroup, “Sol Soiree” and is the front man of the jazz fusion group, Ricky Hopkins & The Urban Band. He was also featured on the website, Nerdist twice for the video, “Stranger in My Town” and “Forceloose”. The popular GIF of a Demogorgon playing saxophone was popularized after Hopkins’ saxophone solo giving life to the animation. Return Records couldn’t be more excited to welcome Ricky to its’ growing R&B roster!

Listen to Ricky Hopkins on Spotify