Ronnie Dyson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ronnie Dyson
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| Birth name | Ronald Dyson |
| Born | June 5, 1950 Washington, D.C., United States |
| Died | November 10, 1990 (aged 40) Brooklyn, New York, United States |
| Genres | Soul, rhythm and blues |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, actor |
| Years active | 1968–1990 |
| Labels | Columbia, Cotillion |
Ronald Dyson (born June 5, 1950 – died November 10, 1990) was an American soul and R&B singer and actor. He was best known for his powerful voice and his role in the famous Broadway musical Hair.
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Early Life and Broadway Start
Ronnie Dyson was born in Washington, D.C.. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where he loved singing in church choirs.
When he was 18, Ronnie got a main role in the Broadway musical Hair. The show first opened in New York in 1968. He became a very important voice of the 1960s. He sang the main part in the show's famous song, "Aquarius". This song became an anthem for the hippie era.
Ronnie Dyson's voice is the first one you hear in "Aquarius". He opens the show with the well-known words: "When the Moon is in the seventh house, and Jupiter aligns with Mars..." He even appeared briefly in the 1979 movie version of Hair. In the movie, he sang "3-5-0-0" with another singer from Hair, Melba Moore.
Music Career Highlights
After his success in Hair, Ronnie Dyson continued his acting career. He appeared in the 1969 film Putney Swope. He also performed in another musical called Salvation in 1970.
Ronnie Dyson then started his record career. His song "(If You Let Me ... to You Then) Why Can't I Touch You?" became a big hit in 1970. It reached number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. His next song, "I Don't Wanna Cry", was also popular on the US R&B chart.
In 1971, he released his version of "When You Get Right Down to It". This song reached number 34 on the UK Singles Chart in the United Kingdom.
In 1973, his record company, Columbia Records, sent him to work with a famous music producer named Thom Bell. Bell's musical style, which used many instruments, suited Dyson's voice well. They created hits like "One Man Band (Plays All Alone)" and "Just Don't Want to Be Lonely". These songs were featured on his album One Man Band.
Ronnie Dyson continued to release albums with Columbia Records. These included The More You Do It (1976), Love in All Flavors (1977), and If the Shoe Fits (1979). The song "The More You Do It" became one of his biggest sellers. It reached number six on the R&B chart.
In 1986, Ronnie Dyson also sang the song "Nola" for the movie soundtrack of She's Gotta Have It. Later, he moved to another record label, Cotillion Records. He released two more albums and several singles. His last solo recording was "See The Clown" in 1990.
Death
Ronnie Dyson passed away on November 10, 1990, in Brooklyn, New York. He was 40 years old. His death was caused by heart failure.
Legacy
After his death, a song called "Are We So Far Apart (We Can't Talk Anymore)" was released in 1991. It was a duet with Vicki Austin. This song also appeared on the US R&B chart.
Images for kids
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Shelley Plimpton and Ronald Dyson in Putney Swope, 1969
See also
- List of disco artists (L-R)
- List of Soul Train episodes
