I have been a Ronnie Earl fan for a long, long time.
I had the opportunity to meet him personally and hang out backstage before a concert a few years ago. He is a gracious man who understands the value of giving to others.
Ronnie Earl at The Narrows
For those who do not know, Ronnie is now in his mid-50s and has been part of the blues music scene for many years.
Deeply inspired by Muddy Waters, T-Bone Walker and Otis Rush, he started to play guitar in the 1970’s. He left the first major group he worked with in 1988, and moved on to build a solo career with his own band, The Broadcasters.
Along the way, he went on to tour the world with Santana, sometimes playing for audiences of as many as 40,000 people.
Recent years, however, found his career sidelined by a variety of health problems, which are thankfully, today, under control. When he says he’s feeling fine, he is, thanks, but the idea of touring again is as far from his mind as it can be.
“I did that for more than 25 years,” he says, “and nothing is better than one’s own home and one’s own family and friends. It makes me feel grounded. I have a wonderful wife, I’m close to our church, I live in the country and I want to be in my own home, every day.”
These days Ronnie is healthy, happily married and playing with the Broadcasters in the New England area and if you are fortunate to live in that area you still have a chance to see one of the finest blues guitar players — ever.
Visit Ronnie’s web site and follow his tour schedule by CLICKING HERE.
The video below was posted a few days ago on YouTube (thank you ZigBlues) from a concert Ronnie played last month at The Narrows in Fall River, MA.
On that night, Ronnie invited 16 year old guitarist Julie Melucci to join him on stage for a blues jam she will never forget!
My favorite part of the video comes at 5:30 when Ronnie motions that he is going to step back and let Julie showcase her chops!
By the way, a new recording from the Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters titled: “Spread the Love” is set to be released on August 24th, 2010 by Stoney Plains Records. Stay tuned to TheGuitarBuzz.com for more details and a full review as soon as the CD becomes available.
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