Richard “Dick” Price
November 28, 1951 – August 10, 2019
Richard William “Dick” Price was a songwriter and performer known for music that blended wit, emotional precision, and a distinctly individual voice. Born and raised in Waco, Texas, he was the son of Elizabeth Brautigam Price and Carl Price. He graduated from Richfield High School and earned a degree in psychology from the University of Texas at Austin.
Dick showed an early instinct for composition, preferring to create his own melodies rather than focus on formal piano repertoire. He spent fourteen years living and working in New York City, where he composed extensively and formed the Dick Price Combo, before returning to Austin to continue solo performing and recording.
In Austin, Dick built a dedicated following through live performances, home recordings, and his Dial-a-Tune phone line. Reviewers frequently described his work as witty, brilliant, quirky, and unique—songs that appeared simple on the surface but revealed unexpected complexity through structure, lyrics, and melody.
Over the course of his life, Dick wrote hundreds of songs. His work ranged from satirical to deeply personal and remains appreciated for its originality and craft. His music continues to be shared and rediscovered by listeners, friends, and family.
Dick Price is survived by his brother, Carl Price III of Waco; his sister, Lynn Price McClendon and her husband Joe of Dallas; nieces Dr. Laura McClendon and Carrie McClendon Dishman and her husband Doug; great-nephew Mac Dishman and great-niece Liza Dishman; and numerous cousins and close friends.