One of the most prolific session players of Jamaica's pre-ska era, trombonist Rico Rodriguez later emerged as a catalyst behind the UK's 2-Tone movement of the late 1970s, recording both as a solo artist and as a member of the legendary Specials. While attending Kingston's Alpha Boys’ School, an institution for wayward boys, he studied trombone under the legendary Don Drummond.

In the years to follow, Rico emerged as one of Jamaica's most highly regarded session musicians, often working under the direction of the renowned producer Duke Reid and his Treasure Isle studio. While his forte remained jazz, he adapted brilliantly to any environment, and applied his improvisational skills to productions from notables including Sly & Robbie. In 1977, Rodriguez also cut a solo album, Man From Wareika, credited to simply "Rico; " it was followed a year later by Midnight In Ethiopia. In 1979, he appeared on the Specials' cover of "A Message to You Rudy," and soon joined the band as a full-time member; for the group's 2-Tone label.

Rico also helmed his own outfit, Rico and The Rudies, to yield the albums Blow Your Horn and Brixton Cat. In early 2005,Trojan Records released a double CD retrospective called Trombone Man. Rico Rodriguez is currently a member of the house band for the Later…with Jools Holland television program on BBC in England.

In September 2005, Rico made his second ever appearance on the West Coast with an intimate performance at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles.

- Bio courtesy of Rico Rodriguez