RICHARD (KEPHAS) GONZALEZ -
August 19, 1957-January 4, 2021
There were a handful of people in my life that influenced me for the better, and one of them was Richard. Here's how I met him...... I remember when in the early 70s I was in another band (Blue Haze) when after a show, Cold War's manager, Justo Sierra pulled me aside and asked me if I would consider joining his band, Cold War as their lead singer.
We were having some personnel problems with my band so normally I would have said thank you, but no thank you. But Justo was persistent, he kept on telling me to see them play and that I would be pleasantly surprised. After a few back and forths, I finally agreed.
It was a Saturday, that I showed up at their gig, but to tell the truth, I almost did not go. The hall was packed and they were just about to start. Little did I know that I was going to be blown away by a band and its guitarist. The congas started, the drums followed, the bass joined the perfect rhythm, the organ followed, and then this heavenly guitar sound starts, and boom, it began. They were playing a very popular song, at the time, Woman, by Barabas, and needless to say, Justo, sitting next to me knew that they had me, he knew it and I knew it, LOL, he saw it in my face.
Funny they were recruiting me but halfway through the song, I felt that I was recruiting them! That's how good they were, and of course, I accepted as soon as the song was over.
I knew right then and there that I was given a chance to be part of something great
From the start, Richard (Kephas) looked to form "the supergroup" and revolutionize the music industry as we all knew it. Richard wanted a special and unique sound that came from the heart and he would settle for nothing less, it was a long and demanding chore but it was one that he was willing to take on, in his heart and soul, he had to.
From day one the search for the young untested future musical superstars was on, whatever instrument it was, he had to have the sound that would set the group apart from the many other bands. That was the way it was, as many who tried and failed to join the band found out.
For the record, Illumination won the Florida Y-100 Battle of the Bands in 1975 with stiff competition from all the top bands in Florida.
I will never forget the time that I spent with him and our brothers in the group, I was part of something great and we all knew it, and it was because of Richard. I will forever remember him and the many fantastic moments that we shared writing original material and discussing our future as a group.
On January 4, Richard went to be with the Lord after a long and courageous battle with cancer. As for me, not only was he a great friend, but the best lead guitarist I have ever seen. Guitar heaven awaits, my friend.
My condolences and prayers go to his amazing family, friends, and fellow musicians.
I know, that I am a better person today for knowing Richard and I will never forget him. Never!
Rest in Peace, my Brother, I love you. God bless.......... Eli
