Ideas that make you think.
Music that makes you feel.
Ric Steel brings more than 20,000 performances and hundreds of lectures to the stage. His work as a featured lecturer and musical performer has included engagements with Yamaha, Chevrolet, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, and American Cruise Lines.
The journey
Ric began speaking professionally as a teenager in approximately 1966, traveling as a youth minister with his missionary family in the United States. His career grew to encompass music, songwriting, public speaking, and decades of work with cruise audiences around the world.
His music experience includes two Billboard-charting singles, German gold-medal vocalist recognition, John Lennon songwriting contest recognition, and coaching for at-sea versions of The Voice. His work Love, Work & Money was submitted for Grammy consideration through the New York committee around 2011; it was not an official award-category nomination.
Ric is a licensed and ordained Christian minister with a Bachelor of Ministry from Luther Rice Seminary (Jacksonville, Florida, 1980). He is the founder of Angels to Mankind and an independent AI researcher working under his name Frederick Davis Stalnecker. His books explore personal resilience, artificial intelligence, and his interpretation of the Voynich manuscript.
Return invitations
Invited back, again and again
“I am invited back repeatedly to speak and perform for major cruise lines around the world. Their well-traveled, discerning audiences are accustomed to accomplished speakers and performers, and they value substance, authenticity, and a genuine connection. Those return invitations are a meaningful measure of the trust I have earned.” Ric Steel
Speaking formats and event roles
My lectures typically run 45–60 minutes, with music woven into the message. I’m also happy to tailor my contribution to your program—from a few meaningful minutes or a 15-minute presentation to serving as your emcee, singing the national anthem, or introducing your featured guest.
I don’t have to be the headliner to make a difference. My purpose is to serve your audience and help your event succeed.
Live music and production
My lectures typically include live vocal and guitar performances, selected to reinforce the message of the talk. All performances are presented at an appropriate volume for the audience and setting.
An orchestra or band can be arranged when needed, but most engagements require only me, my guitar, and my backing tracks. I bring my own production equipment, handle my own mix, and coordinate connection requirements with the venue in advance to integrate smoothly with its PA system.
For engagements with a band or orchestra, I provide charts and click tracks. Rehearsal typically takes approximately one hour per show. PowerPoint supports my live presentations. Final audiovisual requirements and any additional musicians are agreed in advance.
Listen to the theme music on the homepage player →
Work with a larger purpose
I devote all of my income to Angels to Mankind, the nonprofit charity I founded. Payments for my speaking and musical engagements should be made payable to Angels to Mankind. You will still work directly with me to plan your event.
Learn about Angels to Mankind ↗Direct booking
A conversation with Ric comes first. When you book me, you work directly with me. There is no agency commission or middleman. We can have a telephone conversation or Zoom meeting before the event to discuss your audience, your goals, and how I can best serve the program.
Based in Memphis, Tennessee, I welcome last-minute inquiries when another speaker or performer becomes unavailable. If my schedule and travel connections allow, I’m happy to get on a plane and be where I’m needed as quickly as possible.