cuabio

RICK CUA - BIO

In a society that seeks fame and fortune above all, Rick Cua’s simple mission - to share the love of
God through music - is a cool drink of water in a dry land. Add to that wide-ranging experience and
wisdom gained from a quarter-century in music ministry and business, along with a gift of
encouragement and you have the components of an artist, teacher and speaker with a passion for
helping others find their fullness in Christ.

Proverbs 4:7 says “Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And whatever else you
do, get good judgment.” (NLT) Rick has spent his life putting that scripture into practice. From his
experiences as an artist, minister and music businessman, he has a wealth of knowledge to
share; and the act of sharing is what motivates him.

When you read about his extensive experience, it is easy to understand why Rick is such a
resource to the church. Having been a member of a successful mainstream rock group, The
Outlaws, then continuing for more than 15 years as a Christian recording artist, serving for more
than 5 years as an executive of EMI Christian Music Publishing, and 16 years as an ordained
minister, gives Rick a rich well to draw from. Currently, Rick focuses his time on front-line
ministry, RickCua.com and All For The King Music, all of which speak to his personal mission of
sharing the power of God’s Word through music.

“I love to get out and play, I really do. I love teaching. I love talking and teaching about worship and
songwriting, and wrapping the Word around all of that. In recent years I have become aware of the
fact that I am ministering as a player and as a coach. Not only passing along my experience
through mentoring but by modeling it as well.” Rick says.

Rick’s career as a musician has always carried the hallmark of an artist who passionately holds
on to his Biblical convictions and communicates uplifting and straightforward messages to his
audience. All of his songs are written with the intent to ultimately point to Christ.

“Music is such a motivator. When you put the truth in music, and you hit that emotional nerve, it
works,” explains Rick. “I feel called to build people up. My goal is to take the Word and Godly
principles and attach it to music that is going to get them pumped up, and want to sing along and
want to believe what they are hearing and what they are singing…as an artist, that’s what it’s
about.”

To that end, Rick continues to write and record new songs that have been born out of a
progressive artistic vision. His involvement in the burgeoning praise and worship community over
the years is definitely having an impact.

“A lot of the songs I write have a worship slant; it’s what I’ve done for years. It’s a natural thing.
They will be congregational, but will also be energetic and pretty vibey,” Rick says. “Musically, the
recordings will rock with appropriate aggression and an uplifting message.”

Originally from Syracuse, New York, Rick’s Italian heritage is apparent in his first instrument—as
a young boy, he started on the accordion. He eventually moved on to the piano, trumpet, clarinet,
guitar, and eventually settled on the bass—and rock music. Membership in early bands fed his
musical obsession, and led to paying gigs by age 14 and an inevitable career choice.

Marrying Diana, his high school sweetheart, at age 21, Rick continued to pursue music, with all the
ups and downs that entails. Several years into their marriage, Diana accepted Christ as her Savior
and spent the next five years praying for Rick to come to Christ also—and her prayers were
answered.

“As a child, I always had a sense of who God was, even though I didn’t really know Him,” Rick
explains. “I always had the conviction of the Holy Spirit, even though I didn’t know where it was
coming from. I also believe that long before I made a serious commitment to Christ, He had His
hands on my life.”

Several years after Rick’s commitment to Christ, he felt lead to leave The Outlaws and commit his
music to ministry. Eventually, he would release 11 albums, with six #1 songs and nine Top 5 hits,
and a Dove Award nomination. He has performed across the United States and around the world
for the better part of his life.

Rick’s 12th and newest CD, “Won’t Fade Away”, celebrates 25 years of music ministry: 1982 –
2007.

“If there is one thing I want to be remembered for as an artist and friend, it is as an encourager, a
man who always stands on the foundation of God’s word and encourages through the love,
support and promises of Christ,” says Rick. “I’m not a hellfire and brimstone guy; it’s just about
‘You can do it, God’s given you the power, and his Grace is the power for you to do what you are
called to do. Know who you are in Christ, get out there and do it.’”

Rick and Diana, his wife of 37 years, live in Franklin, TN, have 2 daughters, a son-in-law and
grandson, Niki, Nina, Todd & Luke.