Mario Frances Ricci (Rio) was the only child of Tony Ricci and his wife Deidre Hayes Ricci. He was born into a life of privilege. His father Tony owned Ricci Construction and Real Estate Inc, one of the largest companies in the greater New York area. Rio’s mother, Deidre Hayes, was one of the most photographed African American models in the world. She made her claim in Europe, as one of London’s Carnaby Street models. She met and fell in love with Tony Ricci while doing a shoot in Milan, Italy.
Deidre introduced Rio to the world of art galleries, designers and musicians. When Rio was five, Deidre arranged for him to take piano lessons. Rio took to music immediately. He played classical music and rock. He could listen to a song a few times and play it on the piano.
His mother encouraged him to develop his musical skills. When Rio was ten, he taught himself guitar. That’s when he shortened his name to Rio instead of Mario. Rio didn’t want to be confused with his Uncle Mario, a well-connected businessman on Long Island. (A subject that was never discussed.)
Uncle Mario’s daughter Gina was a constant in Rio’s life. The two were three months apart in age and were like twins. They did everything together, including getting in trouble. Although they had separate groups of friends, the two always made time for each other. Their bond continued to adulthood.
At their joint party celebrating their high school graduation, Gina finds out Rio has formed a band. Gina wants to sing in the band. Rio had his doubts, but these were put to rest when he heard her sing.
They change their last name to Poole as they felt the name Ricci could both help and hurt them. The cousins were getting high at the pool at the time. Their band, Vision Sky starts making a name for themselves in the Long Island club scene. Rio and Gina were on their way to rock stardom.