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1 May 07: Johnny Rey to feature four Harwood hits
After years of looking for the right song to become a potential hit single, Johnny Rey has teamed up with hit maker / songwriter Ronnie Harwood. Four songs penned by Ronnie - Senorita, Still in My Heart, Marina Bay and a terrific version of You Drive Me Crazy, will feature on Rey’s new album. Johnny said “Ronnie has a unique gift for writing songs that stand the test of time. ‘You Drive Me Crazy’ of course, and Senorita, that has that summer feelgood feeling that just makes you want to dance!”.
Johnny Rey, until recently known as rock ‘n’ roll singer Johnny Red, will be showing a different side through his latest project. And Ronnie’s involvement is not just as a songwriter - he’s also producer on the tracks.

1 June 07: ‘Holding On’ is all set for Gold. Ronnie Harwood co-wrote Holding On and the song, performed by Colin Gold, has been chosen as the ‘anthem’ for a very special charity event later this year. More details on the way.
Colin, who also covers Ronnie’s ‘I've Got Your Memory’ and ‘Marina Bay’, is currently touring on the popular Billy Fury Show alongside Fury’s Tornadoes.

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 of music for Ronnie, 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 and Roll pioneers.
A The Premiers in 1962 - copyright RonnieHarwood.com s 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 be a performer and recording artist with a singing voice and playing style that is distinctive and still much admired. This is his story, using photos and cuttings from Ronnie’s own wonderful collection.

From The Premiers to Shakin’ Stevens
Ronnie’s full web biography up to the current day 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 then going under the stage name of Jess Hunter, gave Ronnie Harwood his first real taste of music business success and recognition. 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.

His first gig with them was in northern Germany, with the band performing much of the original Savages act, including the ‘fire act’ from Sutch’s show. But outrageous David Sutch was now 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. A return to Germany naturally followed, including appearances at the now legendary Star Club in Hamburg.

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.