Kid Ramos

Born January 13, 1959, in Fullerton, California, blues-rock guitarist David “Kid” Ramos absorbed his passion for music directly from his parents, both of whom earned their living as opera singers. Once his father abandoned touring, the family relocated to Anaheim, where he purchased a gas station. At the age of eight, Ramos received his first electric guitar and amplifier, which his father acquired from a passing customer. Throughout his teenage years he performed regularly at parties and clubs, and in 1980 he became a member of harmonica specialist James Harman’s blues ensemble, whose personnel all wore sharkskin suits. The group toured extensively throughout California, sharing stages with such punk acts as X, Oingo Boingo, the Blasters, and the Plimsouls. Ramos remained with Harman for most of the decade before leaving in 1988; although he occasionally substituted on guitar for Roomful of Blues, he then stepped away from music for seven years to raise a family, supporting himself as a water delivery driver.

His interest in performing eventually resurfaced, leading him to establish the Big Rhythm Combo alongside vocalist Lynwood Slim; the ensemble released its self-titled debut in 1994. The following year Ramos issued his own first solo recording, Two Hands One Heart. Also in 1995, Fabulous Thunderbirds frontman Kim Wilson personally asked him to join the group, an invitation Ramos accepted, returning him to full-time touring. While maintaining his association with the T-Birds, he has steadily produced additional solo albums, among them the self-titled 1999 follow-up, 2000’s West Coast House Party, and 2001’s Greasy Kid’s Stuff.