Turn it Down: Local musicians play Ronnie Hernandez tribute concert Sunday at Reno’s North

Ronnie Hernandez: June 18, 1951 - Aug. 7, 2019

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Back in the mid-'60s as a Motown-loving teenager, Ronald “Ronnie” Hernandez joined a local garage band, called Balloon Farm, and never looked back. From there, his love of James Brown, R&B and rock ’n’ roll records inspired him to make music his life. Over the years, the self-taught multi-instrumentalist spent time performing with The Paris Bakery, The Ones, Punk and Sweet Energy, among many others.

Sadly, during the early morning hours of Aug. 7, after decades of performances, the veteran singer and drummer died following complications from surgery. A benefit concert is set for Sunday at Reno’s North in Lansing.

A GoFundMe campaign was also launched in an effort to offer financial support to his loved ones. The page was created by Debi Bassler, who wrote she started the campaign “to help with the family, so we can have a beautiful memorial service for everyone to attend.” To make a donation, go to tinyurl.com/ronniehernandez.

While he has deep Lansing roots, Hernandez was also a fixture in the Traverse City area, where he grew a dedicated fan base, thanks to steady performances across Northern Michigan. Known for his soulful and soothing vocals, Hernandez kept busy throughout the ’70s playing drums for his uncle’s band, the wildly popular Lansing-based outfit, Danny Hernandez & The Ones —vocalist Danny Hernandez passed away in 2000 at age 53. In its heyday, the Motown Records-signed band often gigged at The Brewery, The Dells, Grandmother’s, Metro Bowl and various other local hot spots and festivals. The Ones had a stack of regional hits, like “You Haven't Seen My Love,” “As Long As I Got You” and “One Little Teardrop.”

In 1972, Ronnie Hernandez was featured behind the drum kit on the Danny Hernandez & The Ones live album, “Back Home.” The vinyl LP, produced by “Boogie” Bob Baldori of The Woolies, also features local musicians Jim Pitchford (organ), Tom Taylor (guitar) and Gary “Rocketman” Melvin (bass). 

By 1975, The Ones disbanded and Hernandez took up work at Diamond Reo building trucks—he also formed his own outfit, Ronnie Hernandez & Sweet Energy. In 1980, after years of work, the band released an eclectic, self-titled album for Bob Baldori’s label, Spirit Recordings. The 10-song album includes the local hit “Dancing in Lansing.”

Shortly after, Hernandez relocated to Chicago and performed in various bands across the city. During this era, he also became a session player, often writing and recording jingles for the likes of  McDonald’s, 7UP and Oldsmobile, to only name a few. His most known jingle was one he recorded for the Budweiser spot with Spuds McKenzie. He kept busy composing music for other television jobs, including arrangements for “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

Before he left Chicago, Hernandez managed to perform at top venues, such as The Ritz Carlton and The House of Blues. He was also invited to sing with the Chicago Bears Band and sing the national anthem for the Chicago Cubs. After he moved back to Lansing about two years ago, Hernandez continued high-energy sets with numerous duos and bands. Right to the end, he was gigging locally and engineering tracks at his own studio, Stand Out Productions.

Viewing: Friday, Aug. 16, 5-8 p.m. @ Skinner Funeral Home, 101 W. Jolly Rd., Lansing

Memorial: Saturday, Aug. 17, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. @ City Life Church, 5825 Wise Road, Lansing

Benefit Tribute Concert: Sunday, Aug. 18, 3 p.m. @ Reno’s North, 16460 Old U.S. 27, Lansing. $10 Donation.

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