Rick Burgess (c. 1938 - 2009) was co-owner of The Earle, former owner of the Del Rio, and a jazz pianist.

In the news

• Rick Burgess left his mark on Ann Arbor's culture as a jazz musician and restaurant-club owner, Ann Arbor News, March 2009
• The Earle remembers Rick Burgess, Current, April 2009

Karen’s hopes for the memorial service were that there would be a “healing” (over the controversial closing of the Del Rio) and “recognition” for Rick – “and both happened tonight.” Three old scrapbooks from the Del Rio days mysteriously appeared after five years, and were given to Karen for donation to the Bentley Historical Library. “Rick never sought the recognition,” Karen observed, “but he brought jazz to this town.”