Born in Forest Gate, London, trumpeter Dick Pearce's life as a jazz musician began at the age of 16 when he joined The National Youth Jazz Orchestra. His career as a professional musician started when he joined the Graham Collier Band, with whom he worked from 1972-1974.He subsequently played in the bands of Don Rendell, Michael Garrick, Dudu Pukwana & Mike Westbrook. He joined Ronnie Scott's Quintet on a regular basis form 1980 to 1993, before forming and touring with his own band.