What do Smokey Robinson, Teena Marie, The Four Tops, David Ruffin, Eddie Kendrick, Kim Weston, L.J. Reynolds, Kirk Whalum, Rena Scott, Rene & Angela, Carrie Lucas, and Theo Peoples have in common? Well, Ronnie McNeir has produced, recorded with, written for, and/or played keyboards behind this all-star soul list. Despite his impressive resume, Ronnie McNeir is virtually unknown… in the United States. Across the Atlantic, he enjoys a high level of acclaim and his records go for thousands of dollars on the elite UK soul scene. As a vocalist, keyboardist, producer and songwriter in his own right, he has consistently had a hand in creating superb soul music since his debut on an obscure Detroit soul label many years ago.
His mellow tenor voice epitomizes smooth. His grooves, though always funky, define soul. His songs are intensely personal , alternating between the sensual style of Marvin Gaye to the pointed social commentary of Curtis Mayfield. Like yet another great soul man, Stevie Wonder, he is a pioneer in using synth instrumentation to create funky and soulful grooves.
McNeir has been heard alongside Teena Marie on the classic 80s soul ballad, “We’ve Got To Stop Meeting Like This” from Marie’s “Starchild” album. He also lent backing vocals to Smokey Robinson’s “Love Breeze” LP.
Hand-selected by best friend, songwriting partner and original Four Top, Obie Benson, Ronnie currently sings tenor with the Four Tops, a position he has held for the past 8 years,
Today, McNeir returns to the scene with his tenth album, Ronnie Mac & Company. With 14 smooth soul tracks, the album is a must-have for those who crave a contemporary spin on classic grown folks’ music.
Ronnie Mac & Company is the singer’s invitation to get to know Ronnie McNeir. Ronnie Mac has seen and done it all and he shares his rich life experience in tracks such as Ain’t It Good To Know You’ve Got A Friend and his honest commentary on the state of the world, It’s A Shame People Have To Live This Way.
Just when you thought the brother was getting too deep, he serves up steppers’ grooves like Summertime Medley II and In The Mood to take your mind off such troubles. He invites listeners into his own confessional chamber with the painfully beautiful “Personal Testimony” which features Theo Peoples, his fellow Four Top and friend. The album portrays Ronnie in all his human complexity, sinner and saint; profound and playful all at once.
An updated version of McNeir’s Down In The Neighborhood will be a welcome surprise to fans of his last album of the same name. Neighborhood portrays a gritty tale of life in the inner city with stark detail. From the troubles of the world to the troubles of love to the joys of summertime, Ronnie Mac & Company portrays a complex man: profound, playful, sensual and painfully aware of shortcomings – of himself and the world around him. A bonus track is his spoken word personal tribute to his best friend, original Four Top Renaldo “Obie” Benson.
Some of soul music’s most talented artists know who Ronnie McNeir is. So should you. Get to know Ronnie Mac by purchasing "Ronnie Mac & Company"
Who is Ronnie McNeir? Your new favorite soul artist!
Influences
Sounds Like
DISCOGRAPHY :
ALBUMS
Ronnie McNeir
Love's Coming Down
Sagittarian Affair
Life and Love
McNeir Experience
Love Suspect
Rare McNeir
The Best of Ronnie McNeir
Down In The Neighborhood
SINGLES
Isn't She A Pretty Girl
Sitting In My Class
Lucky Number
Selling My Heart To The Junkman
It Won't Be Long Before We're Gone
Have You Ever Seen Them Shake
Love's Coming Down
Wendy's Gone
Ronnie McNeir Also Appears On
Christmas Here With You - Four Tops
The Show Must Go On - Four Tops
Love Breeze - Smokey Robinson (appears as keyboardist)
We've Got To Stop Meeting Like This duet with Teena Marie - Starchild Album
A Different Kind of Love - duet with Rena Scott
Age Ain't Nothing But A Number – Little Milton
Fantasy - Rance Allen
The Best of Motor City Vol. 1,2,4,7,9,11,13,15,20
Ian Levine Presents Northern Soul: Memories,Vol.2
Shag Spectacular Vol. 2
Northern Soul Fever Vol. 4
Cream of the Crop
Soul Men of Detroit
Garage Grooves of Detroit
Key to the World
WRITING AND PRODUCTION CREDITS
Hello Stranger ( cover) - Carrie Lucas
Caught Up In The Middle - BobbyWomack
I Couldn’t Believe It - David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks
Use of Ronnie McNeirs' name or likeness without his express written consent is strictly prohibited. Use of photos, slideshows, biographical information, music or any other media embodied on The Official Myspace page of Ronnie McNeir is strictly prohibited. (unless otherwise indicated) Express consent from Mr. McNeir and or representatives of Jupiter Island Production, LLC. is required for any contemplated use of any material presented at www.myspace.com/ronniemcneir. Failure to comply with the terms of this disclaimer will result in legal action. Thank you for visiting www.myspace.com/ronniemcneir
..
..
..
The rhythmic tides of soul and R&B music are subject to change, but Ronnie McNeir has always surfed the waves of change with musical dexterity and smoothness of motion. Perhaps that's why the Camden, Alabama native's credits read like a who's who of soul music. Throughout his career, Ronnie has worked with numerous musical legends, including Bobby Womack, David Ruffin, Smokey Robinson, Angela Winbush, the Whispers, Carrie Lucas, Rance Allen and Eddie Kendricks. Most recently, McNeir was given what must be one of the greatest compliments a soul artist could possibly be given when he was called upon to leave his role as the Four Tops'fill-in musical director to become a member of the legendary Motown group. McNeir stepped in for Levi Stubbs, who was suffering from a health crisis and has since retired from touring. Since 1999, Ronnie McNeir and his fellow band mates have performed to excited audiences throughout the U.S, Europe and Asia. The current Tops lineup also includes Theo Peoples (formerly of the Temptations), Roquel Payton (son of original member Lawrence Payton) who stepped in after the recent passing of Renaldo "Obie " Benson, and original legendary Four Top, Abdul "Duke" Fakir.
Lewis Ronald McNeir was raised in Pontiac, Michigan, where exemplary sounds of "sweet soul music" were all around him. A gifted pianist, possessed of a smooth n' easy tenor, McNeir jumped into the music business when he signed with De-to Records and recorded "Sitting in My Classroom," which has gained cult status among true soul connoisseurs and today commands hundreds of dollars. After a few more years on the then-vibrant Detroit soul scene, McNeir set his sights on Los Angeles. His reputation as a multitalented musician preceded him, landing him a gig as Motown legend Kim Weston's musical director. He earned the respect of many Motown alumni, including Stevie Wonder's mentor and songwriter, Clarence Paul, and original Four Top Renaldo "Obie" Benson. Through his position, McNeir became known around town as a true talent and was signed to RCA records, where he began forging his own signature sound. McNeir's sound involved blending romantic tales of love and loss with lush synth instrumentation and subtle funky grooves. He released three albums, including the underrated Motown classic "Love Comin' Down," in the 1970s, all of which are held in high regard by soul aficionados. In the 1980s, McNeir's signature sound was in full effect. In 1984, "The Ronnie McNeir Experience" album entered the Billboard charts and featured the hit single "Come Be With Me." It was around this time Ronnie also produced one of the greatest steppers' grooves ever, Carrie Lucas' 1985 hit remake of "Hello Stranger." The recording is one of the most compelling examples of what happens when a producer tailors a track to truly fit the singer. Lucas' easy and soothing vocals are perfectly buoyed by a smooth synth track. The brilliantly produced track with background vocals provided by Lucas' Solar label mates, the mighty Whispers, begs to be enjoyed with a tropical concoction.
In 1997, Ronnie released “Down In the Neighborhood.” “Neighborhood” is a slick concept album with a jazz funk and R&B groove which explores the sometimes gritty tales of life in the heart of urban America. The album tastefully blends the best elements of classic soul, smooth R&B and contemporary hip-hop sounds.
Ronnie's longevity on the music scene and his impressive credentials have not made him a superstar based on the industries fickle, commercial standards but he commands the utmost respect from his peers and loyal fans. He is heralded as an underrated pioneer in synth instrumentation and a prolific, song writer and producer with a smooth groove voice and easy smile.
The UK. Northern Soul Manifesto has been on the Northern Soul scene for quite sometime. It is considered one of the best magazines of its type and is praised for it informative articles as well as great glossy pics.
Ronnie Mac is honored to have been featured in Manifesto, the premier Northern Soul Magazine.
SIRIUS ROTATION FOR SERIOUSLY SEXY MUSIC
"I Need You Around" from the, Ronnie Mac & Company CD is now in rotation on channel 3, the Sirius Love (Soft Touch Program) Sirius Satellite Radio.
"Light the candles, turn the lights down low, and feel the emotion." Sirius Love is nothing but love songs weeknights from 9pm – Midnight EST..
"I Need You Around", the new Ronnie Mac single. 877-33-SIRIUS – (PRESS 1 THEN 3)
1-800-BUY-MY-CD
1-800-289-6923
PURCHASE
RONNIE MAC & COMPANY
TODAY!
Ronnie Mac Interview
Life, Love and God: Deep Inside Ronnie Mac & Company
with Ronnie McNeir
and
DJ SoulSwede (www.myspace.com/soulswede)
Turn off the MySpace Music Player before listening
..
Online Now!
