Rick Dufay, a French-American musician, gained fame as the guitarist of the iconic American rock band Aerosmith during a challenging period in the early 1980s. His arrival brought stability to the band and played a crucial role in reuniting vocalist Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry. Recognizing the importance of their former member Brad Whitford, Dufay advocated for his return, ultimately leading to the band’s revival. Although he eventually left Aerosmith, Dufay’s selfless contributions during his five-year tenure were widely acknowledged and helped the band survive its most vulnerable phase.
Quick Facts
- Name: Richard Marc Rick Dufay
- Age: 71 Years
- Gender: Male
- Nationality: French
- Family: Spouse/Ex- Maureen Dumont Kelly, Father- Richard Ney, Children- Minka Kelly
- Occupation: Guitarist
- Height: 5’9″ (175 cm)
- City: Paris
Career
Prior to his association with the American rock and roll band Aerosmith, Richard Marc Dufay had released his album ‘Tender Loving Abuse,’ which was produced by Aerosmith producer Jack Douglas. In 1980, when Brad Whitford left the band, Douglas recommended Dufay to take his place. Dufay played a crucial role in saving the band from fading into obscurity. During the early 1980s, Aerosmith faced a difficult time with Whitford leaving the band and lead vocalist Steven Tyler struggling with drug abuse. Dufay joined the band after the release of their album ‘Rock in a Hard Place’ and appeared in their video for ‘Lightning Strikes.’ He provided support to Tyler and suggested that the band reunite with its former members. Dufay recommended Whitford’s return, and he eventually came back in 1984. Dufay later left the band and went on to work with the band ‘Blue By Nature’ alongside vocalist Karen Lawrence. He released his second album ‘Written In Stone,’ which included an Aerosmith outtake. However, after his time with Aerosmith, Dufay struggled to regain his career and only posted some solo covers on his personal websites and collaborated with other artists on their works.
Recognition and Personal Life
During Aerosmith’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame acceptance speech in 2001, Perry acknowledged Dufay’s contribution to the band and his selflessness in bringing them back on track. Perry also admitted that while Dufay’s selflessness saved the band, it had a negative impact on his own career.
Richard Marc Dufay, the son of actor Richard Ney, was born in Paris on February 2, 1952. He was married to exotic dancer Maureen Dumont Kelly, who passed away in 2008 due to colon cancer. The couple had a daughter named Minka, who lived with her mother after the couple’s separation. Minka acknowledges that despite being raised by her mother, her father Dufay was always present in her life.