Ron Renninger Bio
In a nutshell, Ron Renninger is:
Superb acoustic guitar playing; Passionate vocals; Both woven seamlessly around well-crafted and powerful songs. With an easy going rapport and an obvious joy from performing, Ron leaps across a wide range of musical genres in a single bound....
And in a slightly larger nutshell:
Audiences find much to relate to in Ron's heartfelt song writing; words and music that draw on a wealth of experience from a fascinating and well-traveled life.
From tunes about growing up "On the Corner of Gunhill and Hell", to addressing existential issues in "No Matter How Big You Are", or to trying to outrun heartache in "If Time were a Highway", one is left with some moving and unforgettable stories and images.
Aided by an outstanding dexterity on an old Martin, and a slightly raspy baritone, Ron's music touches on universal themes that can at once entertain, inspire and often move some feet....
Career Highlights:
- Has shared the stage with such names as Richie Havens, Lucinda Williams, Jesse Colin Young, John Hammond Jr., Lucy Kaplansky, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee. (He was also one of the artists on Christine Lavin's very popular compilation CD and tour, "THE STEALTH PROJECT, musicundertheradar")
- Has performed at such well known American venues as Gerdes Folk City, The Telluride Bluegrass Festival, The Bottom Line, and The Tampa PAC as well as internationally from London's Royal Albert Hall to Japan's Holland Village in Nagasaki.
- Has recorded, produced and independently released six acclaimed CD's.
- His original compositions has appeared on cable TV, film and prime time television.
Bio:
A few years after teaching himself to play guitar at age 15, Ron formed a band called The Basement Concession that later became the first act to sign with the newly formed SIRE records. Although the band broke up after a tour and the release of two singles, such early success was very encouraging to a skinny, starry-eyed eighteen year old who decided to drop out of high school and move to New York's Greenwich Village to pursue his musical career.
Dividing his time among Woodstock NY, Manhattan and Northern California, Ron added to his musical experiences by rubbing elbows and jamming with such greats as David Bromberg, Jorma Kaukonen, Doc Watson, Carlos Santana, Paul Butterfield, Tim Hardin, and Taj Mahal.
A few lucky breaks along with increasing recognition of his skills landed Ron a position playing rhythm guitar in Chuck Berry's back-up band. Moving on to recording, he became a sought-after session guitarist on New York's highly competitive recording circuit.
Ron's quest for a more acoustic sound led him to the Green Mountains of Vermont where he performed with folk-rock groups such as the popular Willow. It was during this period that he began honing his distinctive singing and song writing skills.
Today, Ron is based in the New York City area. His well-received five CDs, "ANOTHER KITE TO FLY", "THERE BUT FOR THE GRACE OF LOVE", "VANISHING BREED", "ELDERSONGS", and "MUSIC FROM THE FINAL WOODS" are now joined by his latest album, 'SOULMATES & SENTENCES".