EP 35: Grammy-Winning Composer Ricky Kej On Music, the Environment, and the "World as One Family"

Crazy Amazing Humans

Being musicians, Crazy Amazing Humans hosts Katrina and Jefferson are always ready to celebrate the artistic gifts of others. In this episode they feature Ricky Kej, a 2x Grammy Award winner, U.S. Billboard #1 artist, GQ Hero 2020 and an internationally renowned Indian Music Composer and Environmentalist. Ricky has won over 100 music awards in 20 countries. He serves as the UNESCO MGIEP "Global Ambassador for Kindness", UNCCD "Land Ambassador", UNICEF "Celebrity Supporter" & Ambassador for "Earth Day Network."

Ricky has performed at prestigious venues in over 30 countries, including the UN Headquarters in New York and Geneva. His vast repertoire of work includes 16 studio albums and 4 feature films, including the natural history documentary 'Wild Karnataka' narrated by Sir David Attenborough. He serves as the UNESCO "Global Ambassador for Kindness," UNCCD "Land Ambassador", UNICEF "Celebrity Supporter" and Ambassador for the Earth Day Network. In addition to his music success, he has been recognized for his tireless work in creating awareness for environmental issues.

Ricky is nominated again this year for a Grammy and we speak with him remotely from his home studio in India. His most recent Grammy Award was last year for the album Divine Tides, a collaboration with Stewart Copeland of The Police (his Grammy acceptance speech with Copeland from 2022 addressed the importance of the environment and went viral. You'll hear that in the podcast as well.)

Ricky's awards include the United Nations "Global Humanitarian Artist" award and is conferred with the title "Youth Icon of India". 'Real Leaders', a Signatory to the United Nations named Ricky Kej as one of the 100 Real Leaders who 'Inspire the Future'. The House of Commons, Parliament of Canada awarded Ricky for his "Outstanding Musical and Humanitarian Achievement". His vast repertoire of work includes 16 studio albums released internationally, over 3500 commercials and 4 feature films, including the natural history documentary 'Wild Karnataka' narrated by Sir David Attenborough.

You'll want to listen to this absolutely brilliant talent because he's walking the walk of taking actions for the environment, both large and small, that make a huge difference. In our conversation, Ricky provides insights and ideas that will resonate and empower you to see how you can use your unique talents and abilities to make a difference, too.