Rick Cua
To love God and love people is Rick Cua’s simple mission and daily goal. The wisdom he has gained in music, ministry and business, along with a gift of encouragement, gives him the components of a recording artist, author, teacher, speaker and pastor with a passion for helping others build their legacy and 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 journey he has a wealth of knowledge to share; and the act of sharing is what propels him forward.
When you read about his extensive experience, it is easy to understand why Rick is such a resource to musicians and the church. Having been a member of a successful mainstream rock group, The Outlaws, then continuing for 40 years as a Christian recording artist, serving for 5 years plus as Vice President/Creative of EMI Christian Music Publishing, and 32 years as an ordained minister, gives Rick a rich well to draw from.
Currently, Rick focuses his time on his position as Pastoral Care Pastor at Southall Church in Franklin, TN, staying active in music through speaking, writing & publishing along with playing and recording with Blues Counsel. Rick also finished his 2nd book, What Are You Known For? Building Your Legacy One Brick At A Time, and released a 31-Day Devotional & Journal of the same name.
“I love to get out and play, I really do. I love teaching. I love speaking and teaching about legacy, identity, 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 people to Christ.
“Music is such a motivator. When you put the truth in music, it delivers people to a deep place and it moves them to change and grow,” explains Rick. “I feel called to build people up. My goal is to take the Word and Godly principles and attach them to music that is going to get them excited, 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.”
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 love for music, 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, God had His hand 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 CD, “Won’t Fade Away”, celebrated 25 years of music ministry: 1982 – 2007. His most recent project is the 6th offering from his long time band “Blues Counsel” titled, “Best of The Decade” released in 2020.
“If there is one thing I want to be remembered for, as an artist and friend, is being an encourager. A man who always stands on the foundation of God’s word and encourages others through love, support and the promises of Christ,” says Rick. “My message is about ‘You can do it God’s given you what you need, 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 54 years, live in Franklin, TN, have 2 daughters, and 2 Grandchildren.
Diana Cua
Diana has been Rick’s partner in life and music for 54 years as of 2024. With a strong background in Biblical Counseling and a broad knowledge of the ministry and business of music, Diana is actively involved in all aspects of rickcua.com.
Knowing what it’s like to navigate the unique challenges associated with being married to a traveling musician, Diana has also spent many years ministering to the wives of Christian musicians. She co-founded and served in a ministry called Surrogate Sisters that was formed in Nashville more than 3 decades ago. This group was dedicated to supporting the wives and families of many Christian musicians & artists.
Using God’s word as a guide and through the continual prayer for divine inspiration, Diana’s passion is to help people assess their lives and walk out their calling with confidence and joy.
Wife, Mother, Grandmother and visual artist, Diana is on staff at her home Church, Southall Church, where she serves as a Biblical Counselor, teaches equipping classes and is a member of the prayer team.
