RONSMYTH​

Born in New Jersey, USA.  Raised in the Baptist Church, Mother an evangelist.
Earliest musical experience, singing hymns alongside his three older sisters and brother. Following the rhythm of his mother’s fiery sermon. The Sobering lyric and melodic pastel flow of his Grandma Mary’s residuals’. Singing in the church choir.   
His sister Phyllis, Helen Ferguson & the Personalities, (“Boy from New York City” covered by Manhattan Transfer), along with his brother in law, bassist Nate Murray (who gave him his first guitar lesson) Introduced him to the world of the musician at a young age.
He would regularly accompany them to various rehearsals and gigs. This allowed him to meet and mingle with some of the great musicians of our time, introducing his mentors.   

Began his professional musical road playing guitar in her band. 
In the late 70s Became a member of the New York  rock reggae group” THE FULL HAND BAND”, touring America as headliner, and support for artist such as TAJ MAHAL, STEEL PAUSE, PETER TOSH, N,R,B,Q  just to name a few.
Later to form AK-47, with Full Hand bassist Layton Delgado. Joined by FULL HAND drummer, Cliff Hackford and Kim Preston, keyboards. In addition, guitarist Paul Pesco.
 Later reformed with Al Anderson on bass.  Cliff Hackford, drums,  Chris Boylan, guitar. Martie, keyboards.  John mc Neil, keyboards.  Jenny Peters, vocals.

His musical inspirations range a full 360 of style. From his uncle, the late Freddie Pinkard(BILLY FORD and the THUNDERBIRDS). The Late Bob Marley, introduced to him by his longtime friend Guitarist Al Anderson (the WAILERS).
Pharaoh Sanders, George Clinton, whom he has known since childhood.  
To his personal re- interdiction to the blues by the late Luther Allison and U.P. Wilson.
  

                                            

                                                          

 

                                                                                Discographie
                                   

                                  Ron Smyth + AK-47/ Foolin Yourself           (Delron records)              1983
                                  Ron Smyth + AK-4 / Tryin’                          (Delron records/ RCA)     1986
                                  Bad Ronald                                                (Delron records)              1997
                                  Ron Smyth  / Plan 9                                   (Delron / fairplay)             2006 (buy on itunes)
                                  JJ Milteau / Soul Conversation                    (Dixie Forg)                     2008
                                 Galvin Milteau Robinson Smyth                    (Sony music)                  2011