Ricardo Franck, affectionately known as “Ti Plume,” was born on February 8, 1952, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He was the third son of Joseph Franck, also known as Caillou, and Sonia Charles, growing up in a large family of eight boys and two girls. Music was woven into the fabric of the household. His father, a musician himself, taught his sons to play instruments as a way to keep them away from the dangers of the streets and the political unrest of the time.
The Franck home soon became known as a musical family in Haiti, where siblings played together daily, refining their talents under the guidance of “Pere Caillou.” Even at the age of 12, Ricardo was already showing remarkable promise, famously performing during Mardi Gras atop the Yoyo float, signaling the rise of one of Haiti’s greatest guitar players.
Musical Journey
Music and Ricardo were inseparable. At first, his father discouraged him from joining bands outside the family, believing he was too young. But Ricardo’s talent and passion were undeniable. His breakthrough came when he joined the Ambassadeurs, where he earned the nickname “Ti Plume” (Little Feather). The name, inspired by his lighthearted stage antics and his feathery dance style while playing guitar, became his signature.
Ricardo’s guitar style was unique. Using three fingers to carry the melody and two for accompaniment, he created the impression of two guitars playing at once. Over time, he performed with multiple bands and eventually formed his own group, Les Bi Tchos, which quickly made a mark by winning a carnival prize in its early days.
His versatility set him apart. Ricardo recorded and performed across genres ranging from Classical and Troubadour to Kompa, Rock, Jazz, and Racine. Over the course of his career, he contributed to more than 50 recordings and performed internationally, cementing his place as one of Haiti’s most sought-after session players and solo artists.
A Man of Wit, Wisdom, and Humanity
While Ricardo’s music defined much of his life, his personality left an equally lasting impression. Known for his distinctive mustache, which became a trademark, Ricardo was as much a philosopher as he was a musician. He loved to read, immersing himself in politics, social issues, and esoteric studies. He was also a passionate tennis fan and a well-traveled man whose experiences broadened his perspective.
Above all, Ricardo loved people. His interactions with others informed his songwriting, allowing him to blend humor, satire, sensitivity, and love into his lyrics. He had a knack for making others laugh, believing joy was a better choice than sadness in a world full of tragedies. Those close to him described him as jovial, witty, and deeply compassionate, qualities that earned him admiration from friends, family, and fans alike.
Legacy and Farewell
Ricardo Franck’s legacy is one of resilience, creativity, and joy. His musical contributions spanned decades and genres, inspiring countless musicians and captivating audiences in Haiti and abroad. To many, he was not just Ricardo, but the joyful “Ti Plume,” a figure who embodied the soul of Haitian music.
He is survived by his beloved companion, Carline Kiel, his daughters Ange-Marie, Alexie, Roberta, and Kristina, and his grandchildren. He also leaves behind his brothers Mario, Reynold, Ralph, Snide, and Lacordiere, his sisters Fifi, Marielle, and Anne Florence, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He joins in rest his parents, Joseph and Sonia, and his brothers Wagner, Sony, and Evans.
For the Haitian music community, the passing of Ricardo Franck marks the loss of a true angel of music. As his nephew Philippe poignantly said, “I am going to miss my uncle Ricardo and his moustache.”
