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.

Most of you know that I am a huge fan of Ronnie Earl and when I came across this rare clip of his impromptu rendition of “Amazing Grace” (played while sitting on the church steps) it seemed appropriate to share with the readers of the BUZZ on this beautiful Sunday afternoon.

ENJOY THE VIDEO!

I Love Ronnie Earl, and Ronnie Earl Loves me! When I traveled to Boston last year to see Ronnie play live, he invited me backstage and gave me a guitar strap that he personally signed “Love & Blessings, Ronnie Earl”. That strap is hanging on the wall in my home studio. It is quite simply… too sacred for me to play with.

The real truth is, Ronnie Earl Loves everybody.

Ronnie is a long time virtuoso of the blues guitar. He plays (as he says) “with soul” and not only do you hear it with your ears, you see it in Ronnie’s face when he plays. Most photos you will find of Ronnie playing look a lot like the one to the left. Can’t ya just feel the blues dripping from that Strat!

Ronnie is a true anomaly in the music world. He doesn’t tour, he doesn’t show up on David Letterman, he doesn’t play at rock festivals, he doesn’t give interviews and he isn’t the slightest bit interested in being a “Star”. What Ronnie is intersted in is touching your heart (& Soul) with his music. If, after listening to Ronnie’s music, you feel a shot of love, warmth, healing and peace…Ronnie has accomplished what he set out to do.

Ronnie has just released “Living in the Light” from Stoney Plains Records. I was honored to receive a review copy.

I won’t go through a track-by-track review but I will say that in the space of one single 78-minute CD you will be treated to the most fiery Chicago style blues imaginable including a belated companion piece to the classic “Blues From The Westside” (from the “Still River” album). You will smile and shuffle your feet to Ronnie’s patented brand of lively guitar-and-Hammond fueled jazz-blues, you’ll be taken down to the Delta with acoustic blues, you’ll be uplifted by a beautiful Bob Dylan gospel cover including a choir and you will be soothed by the most serene Sunday morning blues you’ll ever hear.

Then there is the centerpiece track, “Child Of A Survivor”, which serves both as Ronnie’s tribute to victims of the Holocaust (which included members of his own family) and a reminder that we must never forget what humans are capable of doing to each other. This heartbreaking sentiment is expressed through the unusual but incredibly effective and entirely appropriate slow brooding blues featuring a heartfelt vocal from Kim Wilson.

If you’ve not had the pleasure (actually the privilege) of hearing Ronnie Earl play live, this CD will serve as the best possible introduction to the man. If you are like me, and have followed Ronnie’s profound career for many years, then this is a CD you will surely want to own.

Reverand Keith Gordon (About.com) said: There really aren’t words sufficient to describe Ronnie Earl’s incredible six-string talents. Just when you think that you have the man figured out, he pulls out a musical triumph like Living In The Light. It’s not that the album defies expectations (Earl’s skills are such that you’re always guaranteed a great time) but that Earl manages to set the bar higher with each musical outing, and then clear it with ease.

We all love you Ronnie! Keep the Blues coming our way!

I find it amazing that in all of that time Ronnie has never been captured live on video or DVD (with the exception of an instructional based video) until now. The Hope Radio Sessions live concert DVD features many of the instrumental blues songs that are included on the Hope Radio album.  The DVD also includes alternative versions of some of the songs as well as two rare solo acoustic guitar selections and (one of my favorite features) a private, personal interview with Ronnie Earl himself.

I had the opportunity to see Ronnie Earl live this past summer in Arlington, MA.  I was fortunate to meet him personally, and was invited backstage before the concert.  Ronnie introduced me to the members of the Broadcasters band and autographed a special blue leather guitar strap to me — which proudly hangs on my office/studio wall today.  A very gracious man with a tremendously kind spirit, Ronnie Earl has limited his travel and touring in recent years due to health reasons.  This is unfortunate for those of you who have never had the opportunity to see his mesmerizing talent in person.

If you are ever traveling to the Boston area, be sure to check Ronnie’s Web Site to see if he is performing live in the area.  If not, pick up the DVD with this LINK and witness for yourself one of the true masters of stratocaster blues.  You will be glad you did!