Ron Kavana facts for kids

Ron Kavana (born 25 December 1950 – died 4 May 2024) was a talented Irish singer, songwriter, guitarist, and band leader. He was born in Fermoy, a town in County Cork, Ireland. His father was Irish, and his mother was American from Chicago, with some Cajun family roots.

Ron Kavana played with many different bands throughout his career. He worked with famous musicians from various music styles. These included Celtic music, British soul, blues, rhythm & blues, rock, Irish folk, folk-rock, and worldbeat music. His album Galway to Graceland featured a mix of blues, country, and even Irish-inspired songs. Ron was also a great songwriter. He wrote songs about history and politics, as well as songs about dancing and playing music. People described him as a "hard-hitting, no-nonsense realist."

Ron Kavana's Musical Journey

Ron Kavana had a long and interesting career in music. He started playing in bands when he was young. Later, he moved to London and became a well-known musician.

Starting Out in Music

Ron Kavana began his music journey in an R&B band called The Wizards. In the late 1970s, he moved to London. He got a job at a record store called Rock on Records.

In 1977, Ron started his own band, Kavana's Krisis Band. They often played at a famous music venue called the Hope & Anchor. This band later became Juice on the Loose. This group became a regular band for Ace Records, with Ron leading and producing their music. During this time, Ron and his bandmates toured and recorded with many American artists. These included famous names like Dr. John and Doug Sahm. Ron also played on Juice on the Loose's album, which came out in 1981.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Ron also played with other bands. Some of these were Panama Red, The Thunderbirds, and The Balham Alligators. He even played with Charlie Watts, the drummer from The Rolling Stones, and Jack Bruce, the bass player from Cream, at a special show.

Ron's Solo Career and Collaborations

Ron Kavana released his first solo album, Rollin' & Coastin', in 1985. It was a collection of his solo songs and some recordings from Juice on the Loose.

In the mid-1980s, Ron opened for the famous band The Pogues on several tours. He even performed as a duo with Elvis Costello in Ireland. Ron also helped The Pogues with their album If I Should Fall From Grace With God. He co-wrote two songs with Pogue member Terry Woods: "Every Man Is A King (In The U.S. of A.)" and "Young Ned of the Hill."

In 1990, Ron produced an album called For The Children. This album featured 29 guest musicians, including some members of The Pogues. It was a special album made to raise money for LILT (London Irish Live Trust). This charity worked for peace in Northern Ireland.

By the late 1980s, Ron had formed a new group called Alias Ron Kavana. This group was named "Best Live Act in the World" by Folk Roots magazine for three years in a row! Their first album, Think Like a Hero, came out in 1989. Their second album, Coming Days, followed in 1991.

Ron Kavana and Terry Woods also worked together on an album called Home Fire in 1991. They even appeared in the 1990 film Hidden Agenda. In the movie, they performed a song called "The Ballad Of Joe McDonnell."

After Terry Woods left The Pogues, he and Ron formed a new band called The Bucks. They released an album called Dancing to the ceili band in 1994. Fans and critics liked the album and their live shows. However, the band broke up after a short time.

Ron later returned to the Alias Band and recorded Galway to Graceland in 1995. He paid for this album himself. Ron also played guitar in an early version of Shane MacGowan's band, The Popes. You can hear his guitar playing on the song "Haunted."

Later Life and Studies

In 1995, Ron took a break from the music business. He decided to go back to school. He studied humanities, focusing on Irish studies and film studies. He graduated with top honors.

After his break, Ron returned to music. In 2006, he released a two-disc set called Irish Songs of Rebellion, Resistance and Reconciliation. This was followed by a four-disc set in 2007, Irish Ways: Story of Ireland in Song, Music & Poetry. These albums told the story of Irish history through songs and poems. These albums were credited to The Alias Acoustic Band.

Ron Kavana passed away on 4 May 2024, at the age of 73.

Ron Kavana's Albums

Here is a list of some of the albums Ron Kavana released or was a part of:

• Juice on the Loose (1981) (with Juice On The Loose)
• Rollin' & Coastin (1985) (Ron Kavana)
• Think Like a Hero (1989) (with Alias Ron Kavana)
• For the Children (1990) (with LILT – The London Irish Live Trust)
• Coming Days (1991) (with Alias Ron Kavana)
• Home Fire (1991) (Ron Kavana)
• Dancin' To The Ceili Band (1994) (with The Bucks)
• Galway to Graceland (1995) (with Alias Ron Kavana)
• Alien Alert (live) (1999) (with The Resident Aliens)
• Irish Songs of Rebellion, Resistance and Reconciliation (2006) (with the Alias Acoustic Band)
• Irish Ways: Story of Ireland in Song, Music & Poetry (2007) (Ron Kavana)
• 40 Favourite Folk Songs (2011) (with Friends)

Ron Kavana in Films

Ron Kavana also worked on music for movies. He appeared in or composed music for films like Sid and Nancy, Ryan's Daughter, and Hidden Agenda (1990).