Meet Downtown LA's Most-Famous Pirate

There are many characters walking the streets of downtown Los Angeles -- some include business people, artists and strangely, a pirate.

"Argh."

His raspy pirate-themed catchphrase can be heard echoing through streets and alleys most nights in downtown. For more than 30 years, Rickey Taylor, better known as Rickey the Pirate, has strutted his crossbow hat, shiny shoes and enthusiastic energy to the community of downtown.

After being cast as a pirate in a film, Rickey -- now 64 years old -- decided to continue his days wearing his hat and striking up conversations with anyone on the streets. He's happy to greet any and all downtowners, and has even been known to occasionally sell autographed Rickey the Pirate posters.

Before his pirate days, Rickey participated with the Holy Light Missionary Baptist Church choir.

"There he was at 7 years old, dancing and singing," said his mother Floria Johnson Taylor, recalling when her son would sing for the Lord.

At the age of 17, Rickey Taylor moved out, as his mother did not approve of any drugs being inside her home.

"I respect my momma," he said. "So I had to be a man and move out and do my own thing, 'cause I respect her."

In the following years, Rickey the Pirate spent time with music industry legends. He's crossed paths with funky artists such as The Sylvers, Rose Royce, the Temptations and many more. He even used to perform as a back-up dancer to the Godfather of Soul himself.

"I can do a little James Brown," he said, striking a pose. "I can dance like him. I danced for him. I know some moves."

For years, Rickey Taylor walked around looking for a new place to lay his head for the night. After getting assaulted on the streets, Russell Brown found him in bad condition. As a member in the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council, Brown helped the pirate find a place to call home.

Last year, a homecoming party was held in honor of Rickey Taylor's new apartment down on San Pedro Street. Many fans of the downtown icon came out to donate and help him settle into his new place.

His mother was happy to see the number of people sharing their support for her son.

"There was so many people I did not know at the party," Johnson Taylor said. "All of them came to help out Rickey. It was wonderful."

Rickey the Pirate is seen at many events throughout downtown, including the monthly LA Art Walk. Although this pirate has a place to call his own, anyone can still see him walking the streets and striking up conversations with people.

"I do this because it makes people happy," he said. "I come up to people and say hello to them and that makes them smile. I'm really happy."

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