Ronnie Harwood Official web site - God Bless Rock and Roll

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Latest Projects: In the studio with Pete Stothard
Autumn/Winter 2009
Ronnie is currently in the studio producing tracks for a new album by country singer Pete Stothard. Pete is the lead singer of Texas Tornados, the London-based Country Music band he formed in 2004. Pete - whose nickname is 'The Cockney Cowboy' - achieved fame through his line-dance teaching, and Texas Tornados have built up a great following on the circuit.

Country music is very much in his blood, and the partnership with Ronnie Harwood on a solo project is sure to see that country influence as strong as ever.

Available Now: New from The Ronnie Harwood Band
It's a Fabulous Thing
A new album of 13 Rock and Blues tracks by The Ronnie Harwood Band was released in Summer 2009. The tracks, never before released, are currently available as downloads from MusicMecca.

“It's a Fabulous Thing” features a vibrant mix of rock, blues and country rock tracks. The musicians on the album alongside Ronnie include Carlo Little, Mick Underwood, Billy Bremner, Roger McKew, James Compton, Bob Stout, John Dillon, Rick Brown, Geraint Watkins on piano, Andy Hamilton on sax and Gerry Hogan on steel guitar. Radio Caroline were first to feature the album on-air.

Listen to track previews here.

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One of Britain’s Rock ‘n’ Roll pioneers, Ronnie Harwood was born in Hornsey Road, North London, England, 28th September 1941.
In late 1955, Ronnie persuaded his father to act as a guarantor on a loan so that Ronnie could buy his first guitar. This was the beginning of a life in music, all inspired after hearing the legendary Lonnie Donnegan singing “The Rock Island Line”.

Ronnie formed his first group, a skiffle band called “The White Diamonds”, in 1956, with brother David on tea chest bass. It was the start of the career of one of Britain’s Rock The Premiers in 1962 - copyright RonnieHarwood.com and Roll pioneers.
As a guitarist, singer and songwriter, Ronnie Harwood has played a significant part in the history of British Pop and, now into his sixties, continues to perform with a singing voice that is distinctive and still much admired. This is his story, using photos and cuttings from Ronnie’s own collection.

From The Premiers to Shakin’ Stevens
Ronnie’s full web biography can be found by clicking on the Ronnie Bio link. Here’s a quick flashback of some of the events you’ll read about, memories of a time when the musical scene was breaking new ground all around the world and when English Rock ‘n’ Roll bands were leading the way.

The Premiers, with Ronnie under the stage name of Jess Hunter, gave Ronnie Harwood his first real taste of music business success. In 1962, Ronnie did two tours of Germany with The Premiers. The line-up later changed, Ronnie dropped the Jess Hunter tag, and the band became ‘The New Premiers’.

In 1963, Screaming Lord Sutch and his backing band, The Savages, parted company. The Savages became The Ravin’ Savages and Ronnie was asked to join the band. But outrageous David Sutch was desperate for a replacement Savages backing group and decided to find a ready-made band. The new line-up of Ronnie, Paul Dean (better known now as actor Paul Nicholas), drummer Pete Phillips and “Pussy” Mews on lead guitar agreed to accompany Lord Sutch and his legendary stage act.

Many events followed, as you will read. In 1977 Ronnie signed a publishing deal and “Baby I Love You” was released in 1978. Later, in 1982, Ronnie signed a singles deal with Arista Records and “White Sport Coat”, written by Marty Robbins, was released, followed up by Ronnie’s composition “Cuddle Up” later that same year.

More highlights came when Ronnie devoted more time to his songwriting. It led to an Ivor Novello award for “You Drive Me Crazy”, a huge hit for Shakin’ Stevens, and to the writing of Bill Haley’s last single, “God Bless Rock and Roll”, with music and lyrics written by Ronnie especially for Bill.