Thompson is such an intense, energetic player that observers have been saying he's a one-man show. “He gradually builds the excitement of the show to a frenzy,” said one writer, “first switching to blues mandolin, then jumping over to his funky electric piano, and building the sound to a final roar with a Stratocaster electric guitar and screaming harmonica. And he's proficient at all of them.”
“When Thompson gets into it, he vibrates all over the stage as if his guitar is wired to 10,000 volts. This guy doesn't need a beer to unwind at the end of the night; he needs an exorcist.”
--Spokane Chronicle
I hired Ron to play at my dad's birthday party at my home a few years ago and he was AMAZING! He and the band had the entire crowd up and dancing the entire time. I had friends blocks away messaging me about how great the music was and neighbors were knocking on my door asking to come watch and listen to Ron play. People are STILL talking about it 5 years later!!! I'd hire him for every party I ever had if I could. Five stars aren't enough!
We have had the opportunity to hire Ron several times the last decade or so....He has always left our crowds stunned...
There are many fine guitarists, there are very few that can take a crowd and leave them speechless. Ron Thompson does that time and time again!
A true blues legend....hire him as soon as you can...then sit back, buckle your seat belts, and experience Ron's full throttle brand of blues music!
Kevin, Funky Monkey Productions
Response from Ron Thompson:
Thanks for your kind words, Kevin!
As the proprietor of the Mojo lounge in Fremont, Ca. I've been fortunate to have many excellent bands and musicians perform at our venue over the the last 10 years. One of the perks of doing the booking at the club is that you get to bring in some of your personal favorites to perform.
Without question Ron Thompson is the real deal as far as blues performers. From the first note from his resonator, or if he's at the piano, you know you are going on a ride.
Ron Thompson is always a pleasure to have perform at our venue.
A true pro, and gentleman, Ron Thompson will be there Rockin' the House!
Response from Ron Thompson:
Dennis Briggs has to one of the easiest and most professional venue owners in California, if not beyond! He truly loves music, and is a musician in his own right. His staff is friendly and efficient, and every night at the Mojo is special. We'd vote Dennis Mayor of Fremont if we could. A total stand-up guy. Thank you for your vote of confidence, Dennis.
Price Range: $500-$5,000 (depending upon travel, venue, hours)
Gig Length: 30 - 240 minutes
Ron performs both solo and with a full band. He plays guitar, piano, mandolin, and harmonica--all the while providing a wide range of vocal stylings. From blues to rockabilly to old school soul and country--Ron does it all! Ron plays many events and venues that encourage dancing and he packs the dance floor. Even when it's a sit down concert venue, it's hard to keep everyone in their seats!
Not many living blues musicians can say they have performed with and recorded for legends like Big Mama Thornton, Tina Turner, Bruce Willis, Luther Tucker, Jimmy McCracklin, Pee Wee Crayton, Carla Thomas, Booker T. Jones, Percy Mayfield, Etta James, B.B. King, and Jimmy Reed. Ron Thompson can, and that's just the beginning!
Ron Thompson is a legendary rhythm and blues guitarist and master keyboardist whose career began in the rough and tumble world of East San Francisco Bay nightclubs and bars in the early 1970's. During many years of touring coast to coast with John Lee Hooker, Hooker was quoted as saying, "Ron Thompson, he's my main man!"
After serving as John Lee Hooker's bandleader for seven years, Thompson went on to form his own group, Ron Thompson and His Resisters, which continues to tour extensively. Recently, Ron performed at the Jazz and Blues Sessions in Berne, Switzerland, and he has electrified stages in Poland, Mexico, Belize, and many other parts of the world. He is planning a tour in Panama in 2015, and will be appearing at the top blues festivals in the United States.
Ron Thompson was honored by the City of San Francisco for his decades of musical contributions. A few days after San Francisco Giants Home Run King Barry Bonds got "his day" in The City for breaking the all-time American baseball home run record, San Francisco celebrated its own musical home run king, Ron Thompson. By official proclamation of Mayor Gavin Newsom, September 5, 2007, was declared "Ron Thompson Day in San Francisco."
Ron's extensive roster of awards over the years include: Two Bay Area Music Awards (Bammies), the Colorado Blues Society's Lifetime Achievement Award, induction into the Blues Hall of Fame, and many more. Ron's Resistor Twister album was nominated for a Grammy in 1987. [For a full list of Ron's awards and honors, please see the list of awards at the end of this biography.]
THE MUSIC OF RON THOMPSON
In the early 1980's, Ron met Mick Fleetwood (Fleetwood Mac) and the two became musical partners and close friends. Ron and Mick formed the band, Mick Fleetwood's Blue Whale. Blue Whale still occasionally performs when Ron and Mick's busy schedules permit.
Thompson's extensive discography includes five of his own albums, much studio work, and several European anthologies. Not only has he shared the stage with numerous blues luminaries, Thompson has performed or recorded with such musical greats as Bruce Willis, Fleetwood Mac, Chris Isaak, Carlos Santana, Bonnie Raitt, Tina Turner, Elvin Bishop, Bill Medley, Huey Lewis, Dr. John, songwriter Bobby Womak, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Robert Cray Band, Z.Z. Top, and legions of others artists.
Ron Thompson released his first solo and acoustic album Resonator in 2007. All the tracks except two were written by Ron, and display his versatility—from bluesy to spiritual to jazzy instrumental. Resonator was greeted with critical acclaim the world over. Not only did Resonator demonstrate Ron's ability to perform as a solo artist, it showcased his songwriting prowess and mastery of many diverse genres.
RON THOMPSON—A MUSICIAN'S MUSICIAN
Tom Mazzolini, founder and producer of the San Francisco Blues Festival, the longest running blues festival in the United States, said, “I've always felt Ron is the most talented blues guitarist I have ever seen. He can do it all. He's extraordinarily gifted. What many folks aren't aware of is that Ron was a huge asset in the re-emergence of John Lee Hooker. He was the foundation for that boogie sound.”
Andy Grigg, music critic for Real Blues magazine, wrote: “If you haven't experienced Ron T. live, I can't even begin to convey the absolute go-for-broke Blues rave-ups and sweat-soaked pandemonium Thompson and his Resistors dispense on a nightly basis. When it comes to slide guitar workouts, I would say he's the Best in the World, and yet the man sings his ass off too.”
Shortly after recording with Chris Isaak on the album San Francisco Days and touring with Isaak to promote the album, Thompson was called on stage. Isaak introduced him, telling the audience, "You might think these crowd barriers are here to keep you away from the stage. They're not. They're here to keep Ron Thompson away from you!”
Steve Cropper, one of the founding members of both Booker T. and the MG's and The Mar-Keys, (and who has also written songs with Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, Eddie Floyd, and dozens of others) once said of Ron, “What this guy knows, you can't get out of a book.”
WHAT'S NEXT FOR RON THOMPSON?
Ron's busy tour schedule in recent years has kept him so busy that he hasn't released new studio work since 2007. Well, all that is changing in 2014! Ron recently collaborated on a modern gospel CD that will hit the airwaves in early summer. He also has recorded a variety of original recordings that will surprise and amaze the listener, and he has some unique cover tunes in store too—all with that special RT touch. Ron plans to begin rolling out the new music in late Spring. Be sure to check his Facebook (Ron Thompson and Fans) page for upcoming announcements!
AWARDS AND HONORS
Coming soon.
Please contact Ron's business manager for more details.
| November 24, 2013 • 1:00pm - 3:00pm | Birthday Party |
Ron has no standard set list. Each performance varies, according to the needs of the audience and his intuition on what will work on that particular day. NO TWO PERFORMANCES ARE ALIKE!
Some songs you might hear are Ron's original compositions, such as "Freight Train Let Me Ride" and "Way Too Early." He has probably performed every blues cover you can think of. He covers 100's of other songs by artists such as Little Richard, Fats Domino, BB King, Hank Williams.
Please contact us for more details. Ron's set list is highly dependent upon YOUR needs.
| Jackie McCort | Business Manager |
Ron served as John Lee Hooker's bandleader for seven. Not many living blues musicians can say they have performed with and recorded for legends like Big Mama Thornton, Tina Turner, Bruce Willis, Luther Tucker, Jimmy McCracklin, Pee Wee Crayton, Carla Thomas, Booker T. Jones, Percy Mayfield, Etta James, B.B. King, and Jimmy Reed. Ron Thompson can, and that’s just the beginning!
Ron is close friends with Mick Fleetwood (Fleetwood Mac) and has collaborated with Mick on recordings and concerts. In recent years, Ron has toured with Chris Isaak and many others. Even Bruce Willis had to team up with Ron in concert!
Public address system is a MUST. Other needs can be discussed with venue or hiring entity.
San Francisco, CA 
Jazz Band
31 Verified Bookings Michele C. said “Daniel was fantastic on saxophone. He came prepared to play several of our favorite songs and added many that we really enjoyed. He added his own flair…”
San Francisco, CA
Jazz Band
43 Verified Bookings Patricia T. said “Greg was wonderful! The music was perfect. Super classy!”
San Francisco, CA
Guitarist
5 Verified Bookings Tina S. said “We hired Jason for a little professional networking event and the guests loved him! He arrived early, set up, tested his equipment, and was very professional.…”
Emeryville, CA
Acoustic Band
31 Verified Bookings Ameen R. said “Manny was great. He was on time for the sound check, and kept checking the sound during the concert to improve the sound quality.”
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