Ford was the star of the first rock ‘n’ roll religious musical, A Man Dies, which was staged in Bristol, the Royal Albert Hall, and on ITV.
EMI and producer Norrie Paramor recorded the whole cast at the world-famous Abbey Road studios, which Ricky remembered was a “wonderful experience.”
“It was overshadowed by Jesus Christ Superstar later, but A Man Dies was the forerunner of all these musicals.
“It’s still being played on evangelist radio stations in America,” Ford said.
“Just when I thought things were at the end, I was 63 and I did a show in Crumlin, Wales, and the following week I had a call from a guy in Llanelli, who booked me for another 15 shows.
“I ended doing 70 clubs in the Welsh valleys which kept me going until well over 80.
“I’ve just really enjoyed being an all-round singer and entertainer and had a career that sustained me and kept me in demand my entire life,” he said.