Mick Ronson facts for kids
Michael Ronson (born 26 May 1946 – died 29 April 1993) was an English musician, songwriter, and music producer. He became very famous and successful for his guitar playing with David Bowie in a band called The Spiders from Mars. Mick, also known as Ronno, was a talented musician who played on many albums for different artists. He recorded five studio albums with David Bowie and four with Ian Hunter. He also toured with famous musicians like Van Morrison and Bob Dylan.
Ronson was trained in classical music and was known for his amazing guitar melodies. He helped produce Lou Reed's album Transformer, playing guitar and piano, and writing music for strings. This album became a big hit and is important in the glam rock music style. Later, John Mellencamp said that Ronson helped him arrange his popular song, "Jack & Diane".
Mick Ronson released five solo albums. His most popular one, Slaughter on 10th Avenue, reached number 9 in the UK music charts. He played with many bands after his time with David Bowie. Rolling Stone magazine named him one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
Quick facts for kids
Mick Ronson
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Ronson performing at the Old Waldorf in San Francisco on 26 October 1981
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Michael Ronson |
| Also known as | Ronno |
| Born | 26 May 1946 Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire, England |
| Died | 29 April 1993 (aged 46) London, England |
| Genres | |
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| Years active | 1966–1993 |
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Contents
Early Life and First Bands
Michael Ronson was born in Kingston upon Hull, England, in 1946. He was the oldest of three children. As a child, he learned to play many instruments. These included the piano, recorder, violin, and harmonium. He first wanted to play the cello. But he changed his mind when he heard Duane Eddy play guitar. The sound of Eddy's guitar reminded him of a cello.
In November 1963, when he was 17, Ronson joined his first band, The Mariners. They played their first show and earned a small amount of money. Later, he joined another local band called The Crestas. With Ronson, The Crestas became very popular in their area. They played regularly at different halls.
In 1965, Ronson moved to London to find more music work. He joined a band called The Voice. After a short time, he returned to Hull. In 1966, he joined The Rats, a top band in Hull. The Rats played many local shows. They also tried to find success in London and Paris. In 1967, The Rats recorded a song called "The Rise and Fall of Bernie Gripplestone". Ronson also played guitar on Michael Chapman's album Fully Qualified Survivor.
In 1970, Ronson played guitar on the song "Madman Across the Water" for Elton John. This song was released later on a special album.
Working with David Bowie
Joining The Hype
In early 1970, a drummer named John Cambridge asked Ronson to join a new band. This band was going to back up David Bowie. Ronson was working as a gardener at the time. He was not sure at first, but he agreed to meet Bowie. On 5 February, Ronson played with Bowie for the first time on a BBC Radio show.
The new band was called The Hype. They played their first show on 22 February. The band members dressed up in superhero costumes. Bowie was Rainbowman, and Ronson was Gangsterman. The Hype also played at other places. In March 1970, John Cambridge left the band. He was replaced by Woody Woodmansey. In April 1970, Ronson, Woodmansey, and producer Tony Visconti started recording Bowie's album The Man Who Sold the World.
Ronno and The Spiders from Mars
While recording with Bowie, Ronson, Visconti, and Woodmansey also formed their own band. They called themselves Ronno. They released a single called "4th Hour of My Sleep" in 1971. However, the Ronno album was never finished.
Bowie's band then changed again. Trevor Bolder joined on bass guitar. This band, including Ronson, helped record Bowie's album Hunky Dory. Ronson helped arrange the string parts for several songs, like "Life On Mars?".
This group of musicians became known as The Spiders from Mars. This name came from the title of Bowie's next album. Ronson was a very important part of The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. He played lead guitar and helped arrange the music. His guitar playing and arrangements were a big influence on later punk rock musicians.
In 1972, Ronson helped arrange music for Mott the Hoople's album All the Young Dudes. He also co-produced Lou Reed's album Transformer with Bowie. Ronson played lead guitar and piano on songs like "Perfect Day". He also played on some songs for Dana Gillespie's album. Ronson also helped arrange string music for the band Pure Prairie League on their album Bustin' Out.
Ronson's guitar work was also heard on Bowie's albums Aladdin Sane and Pin Ups in 1973. In 1983, Ronson joined Bowie on stage during his Serious Moonlight Tour. He played lead guitar on the song "The Jean Genie". Bowie later said that Ronson was the perfect partner for his Ziggy character. He felt they were as good as other famous rock duos.
Later Music Work
After leaving Bowie's band in 1973, Ronson released three solo albums. His first solo album, Slaughter on 10th Avenue, included his famous song "Only After Dark". His sister, Margaret, sang backing vocals on the album.
Ronson then worked with Ian Hunter, the former leader of Mott the Hoople. They worked together on many albums, starting with Ian Hunter. This album included the hit song "Once Bitten, Twice Shy". They also toured together as the Hunter Ronson Band. In 1974, Ronson was voted the second-best guitarist by Creem magazine readers.
Ronson played guitar on Roger Daltrey's album One of the Boys in 1977. In 1979, Ronson and Hunter produced and played on Ellen Foley's first album, Night Out.
In 1982, Ronson worked with John Mellencamp on his album American Fool. He especially helped with the song "Jack & Diane". Both the song and the album became number one hits in the US.
In 1990, Ronson worked with Ian Hunter again on the album YUI Orta. They shared credit for this album. In 1993, Ronson played on a song called "I Feel Free" on Bowie's album Black Tie White Noise. Ronson also produced Bowie's cover of the song "I Know It's Gonna Happen".
Ronson's last solo album, Heaven and Hull, was not fully finished when he passed away. It was released after his death. Many famous artists helped finish the album, including David Bowie, John Mellencamp, and Ian Hunter.
Besides Bowie and Hunter, Ronson worked with many other musicians as a player, songwriter, and producer. He was also a member of Bob Dylan's live band, the "Rolling Thunder Revue". He can be seen in the film about that tour. In 1992, Ronson produced Morrissey's album, Your Arsenal. His last big live performance was at The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert. He played with Bowie and Hunter on "All the Young Dudes" and with Bowie on "Heroes".
Personal Life
Mick Ronson married Suzanne (Suzi) Fussey in 1977. She was a hairdresser who also worked for David Bowie. They had a daughter named Lisa, born in 1977. Lisa later became a singer. Ronson also had two sons, Nicholas and Joakim.
Death and Legacy
Mick Ronson passed away from liver cancer on 29 April 1993. He was 46 years old. His funeral was held in London. He is buried in Hull's Eastern Cemetery.
To remember him, the Mick Ronson Memorial Stage was built in Queen's Gardens, Hull. In 2017, a new 8-foot guitar sculpture was put up in Hull's East Park. This park is where Ronson used to work as a gardener. It is now called the Michael Ronson Garden of Reflection.
As part of the Hull 2017 UK City of Culture event, a show called "Turn and Face the Strange" was created. It told Ronson's story using audio recordings from his friends and family. It also featured live music. In 2017, a documentary about Mick Ronson was released. It was called Beside Bowie: The Mick Ronson Story. It covered his life and his influence on David Bowie's career. David Bowie himself narrated parts of the film.
Discography
Solo Albums
- Slaughter on 10th Avenue (1974)
- Play Don't Worry (1975)
- Heaven and Hull (1994)
- Just Like This (recorded 1976, released 1999)
- Showtime (live 1976 and 1989, released 1999)
- Indian Summer (recorded 1981–82, released 2001)
With David Bowie
- The Man Who Sold the World (1970)
- Hunky Dory (1971)
- The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972)
- Aladdin Sane (1973)
- Pin Ups (1973)
- Black Tie White Noise (1993)
With Lou Reed
- Transformer (1972)
With Ian Hunter
- Ian Hunter (1975)
- You're Never Alone with a Schizophrenic (1979)
- Welcome to the Club (1980)
- Short Back 'n' Sides (1981)
- YUI Orta (1990)
With Bob Dylan
- Hard Rain (1976)
With John Mellencamp
- American Fool (1982)
Images for kids
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Ronson with Howard Helm, 1988
See also
In Spanish: Mick Ronson para niños
