Ronnie Dove : An Enduring Musical Star
When nationally acclaimed recording star Ronnie Dove emerged on the music scene more than 40 years ago,he and his manager purposed that if Ronnie could build a solid nightclub reputation and consistently produce hit records, he would be a star with an enduring future.
Despite his natural "boyish" good looks and charismatic stage presence, Ronnie didn't believe in positioning himself as a teen idol like many of his contemporaries of 1964 - the year he released his first chart-buster, "SayYou". Yet, ironically, it is these teenagers, who now as adults, continue to reminisce over other such nostalgic classics as "Cry" and "One Kiss For Old Time's Sake", and who anxiously await his return to the charts.
Since his very first public appearance in a grade school play singing "Away in the Manger" in his hometown of Herndon, Virginia, Ronnie heard the roar of applause and knew he was born to perform.
He later honed his vocals and musical proficiency as a four-year member of his high school glee club. After graduation,, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard and was stationed on a buoy tender off the coast of Baltimore. It was during these four years that Ronnie became a burgeoning pop performer, singing Elvis covers in local pubs on his evenings off.
After completing his duties with the Coast Guard, he returned to Baltimore and formed Ronnie Dove and the Belltones. The group devoted the next four years to playing the club circuit as often as seven nights a week.
In the fall of 1964, Ronnie broke from the band and headed to Nashville. Shortly thereafter, he recorded "Sweeter Than Sugar" which would become his first single on the Diamond Record label. A fitting title, "Sweeter Than Sugar" characterized his rise to stardom which began with a subsequent string of hit singles including, "SayYou", "Right or Wrong" - which was his biggest success - and "Little Bit of Heaven".
Considering the climate of the record industry in the mid-60's with the British invasion and the Motown sound, Ronnie's success was doubly impressive. He went on to produce 23 consecutive nationally and inter-nationally-charted top 10 records and packed venues throughout North America.
During the following ten years, Ronnie was either in the studio, touring or debuting on prestigious radio and television shows including Mike Douglas, Merv Griffin and American Bandstand. His most notable appearance was the Ed Sullivan Show in 1967.
With the growing popularity of disco music in the mid-70's, Ronnie took a well-deserved and needed rest. He bought a home and a nightclub called The Carriage House in Augusta, Georgia and pursued his second love : golf.
By the early 1980's, the nationwide resurgence of the "golden oldies" sound prompted Ronnie to come out of retirement. Touring again and sounding better than ever, Ronnie was filling venues with more than 5,000 fans per show.
Then in 1989, he was dealt a shocking blow. His mother, who had been his most devoted supporter through the years, was diagnosed with two aneurysms and given only three to six months to live. Ronnie again took time off from his career to care for her. His mother lingered on for another two years with Ronnie by her side tirelessly. After her death in 1991, he again started to tour throughout the United States and Canada. Music seemed to be the only thing to keep him going.
Still touring today, Ronnie also performs in the Baltimore area, where it all started for him. Singing his hits from the sixties and other country flavored tunes, the fans still keep coming. There are lots of baby-boomer fans from that era, as well as younger fans who can't get enough of this terrific talent.
Today, although his good looks have matured, this veteran performer hasn't lost his voice, enthusiasm, or his public appeal. He still still makes every lady feel that he is singing just to her.
This year, 2005, Ronnie is celebrating his 50th year in music!
Major Accomplishments
Hit Albums
Right or Wrong
One Kiss For Old Time's Sake
I'll Make All Your Dreams Come True
The Best of Ronnie Dove
Kiss Away
Cry
The Best of Ronnie Dove, Vol. 2
Ronnie Dove: Live at The King of The Road
Hit Singles
"Say You"
"Right or Wrong"
"One Kiss for Old Time's Sake"
"Kiss Away"
"Little Bit of Heaven"
"Hello Pretty Girl"
"I'll Make All Your Dreams Come True"
"When Liking Turns to Loving"
"I Really Don't Want to Know"
"One More Mountain to Climb"
"Happy Summer Days"
"Cry"
"Let's Start All Over Again"
"Mountain of Love"
"My Babe"
"Tomboy"
"In Sometime"
"I Need You Now"
"Dancing Out of My Heart"
"Kiss the Hurt Away"
"Things"
"Heart"
"Rise and Shine"
Major Engagements
Dick Clark Caravan of Stars
Embassy Club, Toronto
Fairmont Hotel, Atlanta
Fairmont Hotel, Dallas
Fairmont Hotel, New Orleans
Harrah's, Reno
Harrah's, Tahoe
King of The Road, Nashville
Latin Quarter, New York
Lulu's, Kitchener, Ontario
Roostertail, Detroit
Top Hat, Windsor, Ontario
Major Television Appearances
American Bandstand
Ed Sullivan
Joey Bishop Show
Mike Douglas Show
Merv Griffin Show
Nashville Now
Music Hall America
That Nashville Music
The Ronnie Dove Show
Major Awards
Billboard Awards of 1965:
"Top Singles Artist"
"Top Easy Listening Artist"
"Top Easy Listening Selling Artist"
Cashbox Awards of 1965:
"Best Singles Male Vocalist"
"Best LP Male Vocalist"
"Best R&B Male Vocalist"
"Best R&B Records"