HOUSTON – He was Motown’s hottest artist in the 80s with hits like “Super Freak” and “Give It To Me Baby.”
Rick James was known as the “king of punk rock” – but his influence spanned several music genres.
Houston fans can relive his rise to the top of the charts with a new stage play about his life, career and music.
“Super Freak: The Rick James Story” debuts at The Hobby Center this week.
The play is a collaboration between Ty James, the music icon’s daughter, and Je’Caryous Johnson, a Houston playwright and producer.
Johnson is a proud Houstonian.
It’s important for him and his production company to create opportunities and platforms for local talent to shine and to offer artists a chance to make a living in their hometown, instead of relocating to other cities like New York City or Los Angeles.
He says the mission behind “Super Freak” is for the audience to walk away feeling inspired, entertained and for them to learn something they didn’t know about the music legend.
Stokley is starring as James in the stage play.
He’s best known as the lead singer and drummer for legendary R&B group, Mint Condition.
“Super Freak: The Rick James Story” runs Thursday, March 14 through Sunday, March 17 at Sarofim Hall inside the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets start at $43.
Watch the video above to learn more about bringing this story to the stage.