Rick Buchanan: Popular Memphis DJ ‘Slick Rick’ who took ‘pride in promoting local music’ found decapitated

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE: Rick Buchanan, a well-known Memphis DJ, who went by the name of “Slick Rick”, was brutally murdered on Wednesday, January 24, 2024.

His brother John Buchanan discovered his headless body on Angel Avenue in the Berclair neighborhood around 2.30 pm.

Brother recounts the horror of finding decapitated DJ 'Slick Rick'

John Buchanan told FOX13 that he was shocked and horrified by what he saw when he entered his brother’s house. “I walked in and found him, and I just called 911,” he said.

“I thought his coat was up over his head like it was cold or something. I ran out and then I ran back in. And, then I realized it was something worse,” he added.

Rick Buchanan had been a popular DJ in the Memphis area for decades, playing in several bars and clubs, including 'The Stage Stop', a historic music venue that paid tribute to him on Facebook, posting: “RIP Slick Rick.”

Family seeks answers as they mourn the death of 'champion' of Memphis music 'Slick Rick'

Rick was also a champion of Memphis music and took pride in presenting, playing, and promoting local music at 'The Stage Stop', according to a GoFundMe page titled '‘last call’ organized in his name for his funeral and donations to charity.

"Slick Rick is sadly no longer with us. There are still many unanswered questions," Ashley Buchanan wrote on the fundraiser. 

"If you knew Rick, you know he gave to anyone he could, friends, strangers, and charities like MDA. He used his voice and personality to raise unthinkable amounts of money for others. He was also a champion of Memphis music and took pride in presenting, playing, and promoting local music at The Stage Stop," Buchanan added.

Friends describe 'Slick Rick' as ‘legend of Memphis’

Many friends and fans of Rick Buchanan expressed their grief and condolences on social media, remembering him as a legend of Memphis and a generous and friendly person.

One of them was Neill Bartlett, who wrote, “Absolutely devastated to hear that Ricky Buchanan has died. Before I knew you, you were a legend of Memphis and when we became friends, you were still a legend."

"Thanks for all the memories brother. Condolences to Nita, Jimmy, John Ashley, Christi and girls and everyone who knew him. R.I.P SLICK RICK,” wrote another.

Another band, Area 51 Memphis Band, also mourned his loss, writing: “Our hearts go out to Nita Makris and family for the loss of her son, Ricky Buchanan aka “Slick Rick”.

"Anybody that attended/played The Stage Stop on a regular basis knew Slick Rick. We are going to miss him. RIP Slick Rick,” it added.

Many others shared their memories of listening to his music and enjoying his personality at The Stage Stop.

"Slick Rick was a character like no other. The voice of The Stage Stop. I can still hear it “Y’all wanna hear one more?,” wrote one.

"Thank you Ricky for being my friend. Thank you for supporting myself and so many other Memphis Musicians. You was one of a kind. RIP Slick!," Matthew Downen wrote.

One fan commented, "So sorry to hear. Many nights in the 80s during college were spent at the Stage Stop watching Lord Tracy and enjoying Slick Rick rocking the breaks."

Police investigate motive and suspect of gruesome murder

The Memphis Police Department is still investigating Rick Buchanan’s death, looking for answers as to why and how he lost his life in such a violent way, the outlet reported.

His brother John Buchanan said that things changed for Rick in 2014 when he was shot outside of a club. He said it became hard for his brother to find work which led the once-popular personality to become more of a homebody.

Meanwhile, as the family plans to prepare for the funeral, John Buchanan said that his family plans to adopt Rick's dog Lucky.