Ronnie Dawson American rock musician Date of Birth: 11.08.1939 Country: USA

Biography of Ronnie Dawson

Ronnie Dawson, also known as Ronnie 'Blonde Bomber', was an American rock musician. Born in 1939 near Dallas, Texas, Ronnie was the only child of Gladys and Pinky Dawson. His father, a musician himself, introduced Ronnie to playing the guitar.

During his school years, Ronnie formed his first musical group called 'Ronnie Dee & the D Men' and soon won a local talent competition. This caught the attention of Ed MacLemore, a influential manager, who quickly signed Ronnie to his first contract. Thus began Ronnie's journey to becoming a rockabilly musician, known for his skills as a guitarist and vocalist.

His first two singles, 'I Make the Love' and 'Rockin' Bones', achieved success and sold well in the region, though not nationally. Ronnie then signed a more prestigious contract with Dick Clark's label, 'Swan Records'. He also participated in the significant 'National Bandstand' competition, which further boosted his career.

However, in the late 1950s, Ronnie's rapid success was shaken by the difficult times in the American music industry. Despite several attempts to stay afloat, none of them yielded significant results. During this period, Ronnie had to settle for being a backing vocalist in groups like 'Lightcrust Doughboys' and 'Paul and Paula'. He even tried his hand at being an R&B artist under the names Snake Munroe and Commonwealth Jones.

In the 1960s, Ronnie became part of the Dallas folk project 'Levee Singers' and later formed the country rock group 'Steelrail' after their disbandment. Interestingly, while Ronnie Dawson remained relatively unknown in the United States, he became a sensation in England, being hailed as a rock pioneer.

In 1986, Ronnie signed a contract with the British record company 'No Hit' and released three excellent albums - 'Still a Lot of Rhythm' in 1988, 'Rockinitis' (Live) in 1989, and 'Rockin' Bones' in 1990. The label also released a compilation of his early compositions titled 'Rockin' Bones: The Legendary Masters' in 1996. Although his name did not often top the charts, Ronnie 'Blonde Bomber' was considered one of the first rock stars from Dallas and a respected rockabilly performer.

Many remember his brilliant performance at New York's Carnegie Hall in the mid-1990s, which was praised by the 'New York Times'. In 1995, he made two triumphant appearances on Conan O'Brien's TV show 'Late Night'.

Outside of his musical career, Ronnie Dawson was a calm and balanced person. However, during his concerts, he transformed into an intense performer, jumping, running through the audience, and even playing his guitar while perched on a table. He maintained his physical fitness by running up to 10 miles daily.

Unfortunately, nature dealt a cruel blow to Ronnie. In 2002, he was diagnosed with inoperable throat cancer. Despite the outpouring of support from friends, acquaintances, and fans, there was no way to save the 'Blonde Bomber'. The cancer had already spread to his lungs, and his days were numbered. Ronnie Dawson passed away on September 23, 2003, at the age of 64.

Before his death, Ronnie addressed his loved ones, friends, and fans, saying, "Do not mourn for me! I lived 63 years without knowing what illness is, and only this year did I end up in the hospital for the first time in my life! I truly have no complaints - judge for yourselves: 63 years of full, healthy life! Instead of sadness, we should celebrate! That's what I'm doing! So, don't be sad either!"