Ron is feeling healthy and happy these days following the heart surgery which gave him an excused absence during our 1999 tour. Paul Leim ably filled in for Ron during that time and has now returned to his studio duties in Nashville. Nashville is also home for Ron and his wife and considerable family, although his grown children seem to live in most of the towns we visit on tour.
On working with such legendary singers, Ron comments, "If I had to narrow it down, the two greatest music influences on my life would be Elvis Presley and Neil Diamond. Elvis for the flashy, explosive, slightly out of control, style of playing that he brought out in me that mirrored his performance and personality. Neil has influenced me to be a disciplined team player. He leaves little to chance. He makes sure we are all well-rehearsed and fundamentally prepared. We know we are going to win every time we go on stage -- just like a great sports team, and that's a great feeling!"
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