Mario was born on July 21 in Los Angeles, CA. He was only eighteen months old when Ritchie passed away. He remembers his brother through the stories he has been told by his mother and family. Mario remembers his mother telling him of Ritchie’s dreams, how Ritchie would describe the dreams to her and then write a song about them. He also remembers dancing with his mom in the living room. Yes she would have to do a little coxing, but soon the two would be happily dancing to
her favorite Mexican music.
Music was something that
was never lacking in their
home. The same holds true
today. Mario is also a musician.
He plays the Harmonica and sings in his
group the “Backyard Blues Band.” Mario has had
opportunities to hear about Ritchie from fellow musicians who toured with Ritchie. Link Wrey is a personal friend and has shared his memories. So have Dion of Dion and the Belmonts who the family met in 2001 in New York City. Mario’s passion for music comes from Ritchie’s fire and drive. It is part of who he is.