In Memory of Ronnie I. Gone but will never be Forgotten

[filet563]

what a great guy. They don't make them like that anymore. His legacy is keeping our music alive and more. Thanks to Ronnie I met hundreds of people through UGHA, many of whom I will missHe will never be forgotten.

Phil Ambrosino

[MrR000032]

Thanks for the memories and keeping NY/NJ Doo Wop alive.

Richard V

[NJacapellajunkie]

ronnie i...a true icon..long live clifton music and the UGHA mem#32

[robshannon]

I don't know who Ronnie was, but I'm thinking he owned thr record store in Clifton, NJ that I used to go to for records many years ago.

[SuzyQ]

Just wondering if someone can help as you're all fans...about 25 years ago, makes me feel old, when I was with an ex-partner we had some of Ronnies 'Do Wop Dynamite' Albums (Im almost positive this is what they were called). For years I have wanted to find a track which was on one of them ..Im sure it was a fast version of 'Teardrops' ..starting 'I sit in my room looking out at the rain....' Can anyone help ? :) Suzy

[paracpts]

@SuzyQ Have all the Dynamite Doo wop albums & know song you are looking for. I will get name & groupp for you

[SuzyQ]

@paracpts

WOW!!! Thank You :)

My email is: wllsuz at aol dot com if it's easier. 

[rocknroll1955]

if it were not for ronnie I ,i would never have seen so many and met all of the rare groups ,spaniels,solitaires, vocaleers, counts, jive five,vicki burgess, and way too many to list !!!

*** why did he have to go ????

ERIK VONDERLIETH

[routetoo]

i knew ronni back as a kid he lived in east rutherfoord, came in my pops store once in a while, i also knew yitt, n maryann, cousins , my dads store wast TONYS SWEET SHOP on 222 grove st. some of my best meories r of east rutherford' baci in the mid 60's ronnie delivered 7UP SODA, SAW HIM IN THE 90'S AT THE BOYS CLUB IN LODI, WE TALKED ABOUT THE OLD DAYS. WENT TO HIS SHOP A FEW TIME,TOO! NICE GUY KEPT ROCK N ROLL ALVE SO LONG RONNIE, U WERE THE BEST, , RIP joe bev

[thegroupharmonyalley]

It's been nearly 14 months since we lost Ronnie I., and the pain of the void remains. The void in the music and in my life. It was an irreplaceable friendship I know I truly valued, but somehow I feel, perhaps not enough. I pray he's at peace, and reunited with all singers who went before him, and all people who were meaningful to him.

[DoowopJohnnyBoy]

I never got to meet Ronnie I but have always wanted to go to his shop and speak with him and show him my own Doo wop songs. I still have in my possession the March 1997 Issue of MOJO mag where i first learned of him and Kept it so i would no where to go if and when i got to go to America(Im From Leicester England) Hearing of his untimely Death a Year ago has hindered 1 of my dreams his legacy reached around the world alright ! Wot a Great Bloke Wot Great Music he stood for . Rest in Harmony Ron.

[doowopkid]

Ronnie believed in me and my group enough to bring us into the studio to record. An opportunity I was never before given until Ronnie. Those memories of working closely with him, the laughs, the times at his radio show, the diner, the shows and especially at his wedding (to his bride Sandy) are some of my most memorable moments.

Thanks Joe for sharing this video.

Tony Castro (Variations)

[countrypaul]

Ronnie was a righteous man who was the heart and soul of group harmony music. He did my and my group, The Fabulous Dudes, many solids, and I am grateful. His wife Sandee still runs the store; please keep her in business as a living memorial to Ronnie and for a good cause: group harmony!

[Telesonics]

Thanks, Joe.

I was a member of the Ambient Band for many years and really enjoyed working with Ronnie on probably 100 or more UGHA shows. Unfortunately, I was unable to make it to his funeral, but I sent him an audio CD shortly before he passed of a 1990's Philadelphia show that I re-edited and enhanced for posterity's sake. I hope he had a chance to hear it.

Tom Montalbano (former Ambient Band drummer)

[jilley76]

Ronnie was a good family friend. He arranged for the Valentinos do sing a capella at our wedding reception. Saw numerous shows he produced...his wedding to Sandi being the ultimate...

Jill D'Onofrio

[bluesgirl62]

Lovely!

[doowopper718]

A nice tribute to Ronnie. I was fortunate to know him for many years and he was a great guy who seemed to never forget a name and loved his music. Rest in peace Ronnie!

[nickyjukebox43]

Ronie I put my song "Wonderful Girl" in his collection Amy Records Vol. 3 Oldies it was an HONOR to have known him. Nicholas Anthony and the Carribeans

[ugha323a]

Ronnie was bigger than even he realized. His death was the end of an era.

[Shaboom1965]

Ronnie I. was good and decent family man, who devoted his professional life to honoring and preserving "our music." Now WE must all step up to assure that his untimely passing will not mark the beginning of the

end for group harmony.

[texasandy1960]

I met Ronnie a few times, when I was in the US. His life was Doowop and his music will never die !

One day we will all sing together in Doowop Heaven..

Dr. Doowop Germany

[vghlivesri]

Thank you, Joe..very nice tribute to Ronnie..hopefully his legacy will grow, thanks to people like you.

[beefoneeto]

I'm in tears.

[augie747]

Rest In Peace Ronnie.

My first time on the UGHA stage was in 1979

at st Josephs.

My group IMAGE recorded "All Mine" for Ronnie's Clfton label in 1981.

He has put that song out 3 times, twice with music and the other an acappella version.

last time on the UGHA STAGE WAS IN 2005.

Great memories, Great Guy.

and a Great tribute.

thanks for the memories, Alex Augustine - IMAGE

[riles1239]

Ronnie, Rest in Peace! Your Red Sox Nation friend

[cobrawing9]

An enormous loss! I too was one of the original UGHA members from '77 (still have my pink member card). I remember visiting the Clifton shop in '76 & Ronnie refusing to sell us a single 45 until me and my guys sang for him on the spot! LOL . . . what a character he was. Been in California for the last 20yrs. but always kept in touch and bought records from him. I hope UGHA continues. I know it will. More of us passing every day. Soon it will be all be gone but maybe not! R.I.P. Ronnie . . .

[chess1458]

It was very Sad to hear of Ronnie's passing.I never met him but spoke to him on the phone.a truly nice guy.R.I.P Ronnie

[DelJays]

So sad that Ronnie passed away.

I met him a few Times. A very friendly Guy who gave us german Kids the chance to perform on U.G.H.A.

A big loss for the DOO WOP scene.

[allyn1975]

Ronnie I's influence and kindness extended across the globe. It's difficult to imagine that anyone will devote himself as selflessly as he did to keeping the sounds alive. It was a pleasure to have known him.

Andy Rochman

St. Louis, MO

[Schrooms73]

I will always remember Ronni I. I go back to the beginning of UGHA (My number is 67). I have fond memories of him. I was one of the sound men in the beginning and did many a show together. He was always so gracious and warm. I moved to Florida but always kept in interest in what he was doing.

Miss you Ronni.

[Zombiedoowop]

Ronni I was a dear friend of mine for 25 yrs. He left a legacy of unforgettable memories and music behind but this will live in my heart forever. I will always love him as a brother. I will always remember him as my teacher. I will always honor him for the impeccable devotion he portrayed in keeping this music alive today.I will miss him tremendously. RONNI-"IF ONLY THE SKY WAS A MIRROR",maybe I can still see your reflexion. I'll keep looking up. Your pal"FOREVER" ZOMBIE.Love you Ronnni.

[Zombiedoowop]

RONNI I was a dear friend of mine for 25 years. He left a legacy of unforgettable memories and music behind but this will all live on in my heart forever.I will always love him as my brother.I will always remember him as my teacher. I will always honor him for the impeccable devotion he portrayed in keeping this music alive today.I will miss him tremendously.RONNI,"IF ONLY THE SKY WAS A MIRROR",maybe I can still see your reflexion.I'll keep looking up. Your pal "Forever"-ZOMBIE-Love You Ron.

[Zombiedoowop]

Ronni I has been one of my dearest friends for over 25 years.I will miss him dearly and will always remember the good times we had and all the laughs we shared.Because of him my love for this music and the knowledge I learned from him,will forever stay in my heart.I loved him like a brother.I will remember him as a teacher.I will honor him for the devotion and committment he portrayed to preserve this music.I will always cherish the friendship we had. There will only be 1 "RONNI I". ZOMBIE...

[KKWOFAS]

Just found out about Ronnie I passing away. He was a great friend. The great things Ronnie did will always be remembered. His devotion to this great music was inspirational. My North Jersey upbringing from 1943 - 2000 allowed me to experience much doo wop. Did move to FL and CO but missed doo wop and UGHA so much I sold my house, ironically, on the day Ronnie passed away. Upon moving back to metro NY area this summer I offer my help to keep Ronnie's dream alive. I will contact someone.

[donpic1943]

I just learned of Ronnie's passing. I've been a UGHA member for many, many years and I've met Ronnie at many shows. He truly loved the music. The Righteous Brothers spoke of a Rock N' Roll Heaven............I believe Ronnie is in Harmony Heaven with all of the angels of song that he loved. What a truly gentle man. My condolences to his family. I am truly sorry to learn of his passing.

Don Picuri

[thegroupharmonyalley]

In his final days he held my hand and asked me to please not forget him -- and to please carry on with the music -- something he didn't need to ask. I will always do my best to honor his memory each Sunday on WFDU-FM though my heart will be forever broken.

Christine Vitale

The Group Harmony Alley

Sundays 6pm to 9pm - EASTERN

89.1/FM-WFDU Teaneck, NJ

Streaming live on the web

A foray into the roots of the R&B/doo-wopp historical experience.

[hester5220]

From this old doo wopper from Bayonne, our deep felt condolences!

[doowopbm]

i knew ronnie prior to ugha..we had many discussions regarding the formation of ugha..of the many opinions offered ronnie proved that his ideas were second to none..i remember vacationing in florida with ronnie and his first wife diane and our children..we shared many good times..bless you ron

[doowopbm]

bless him...and bless his children tammy,little ronnie and doreen

[dropper3]

Thanks to Big Beat I did not know Ronnie was shick Good bless hem for ever more, Caleb N. Ginyard 111.

[BevDaBxBabe]

Ronnie is in Doowop heaven where many greats of our past are. I can only hope to go there myself.

Bev Da Bronxbabe

[Howieshet]

I just found about this tragedy. I talked with him so many times in the store. He had such a great knowledge of the music. He really was a leader in keeping the music alive.I met so many in the store. We talked baseball and even though I am a Met fan we still talked. I will miss him. Please send my condolonces.

[MROSEN62]

Ronnie's passion for the music we love and his unique style will be sorely missed. He was a major force in perpetuating the music and providing dignity to many long-ignored artists. I agreed with Ronnie that the term "Doo-Wop" trivialized the music. Now I worry that after all us "old-farts" are gone, that there will be few in the next generation who will care enough to listen.

[hah13]

There are only 3 people left who I can talk about this stuff to sometimes we quiz each other on groups no one lefy soon

[kieransoul]

Ronnie I THE MAN WHO BROUGHT YOU THE GATES,DEEPS,DELTAS.....HERB KENNY,JOHNNY BRAGG,WILLIE DAVIS,MAITHE MARSHALL....ALL THE RNB VOCAL GROUP LEGENDS YOU WILL LIVE FOREVER YOU LIVED FOR THE SOUND I WILL THINK OF YOU EVERY DAY.....GO YANKEES ALWAYS...K.J.

[vghlivesri]

KJ..It is comforting to see sites like this...if we all do our part Ronnie's legacy will continue to grow..he left a big hole in all our hearts but he left us so much to fill it with..bless you,KJ..and don't forget those Yankees. cp

[beefoneeto]

Joe-thanks for the tribute.

[beefoneeto]

My deepest sincerest condolences to Sandi and his family.Ronnie and UGHA were a huge part of my life for the past 17 years. I'm truly heartbroken.Couldn't get to the funeral but I'm sure they turned out in droves for this man who lived out a lifelong dream.Ronnie-that's gotta be some awesome show you're putting together in heaven right now.Tell Pookie & Gerald I love them.Rudy too.I truly feel that something great has gone out of my life.God bless ya Ronnie I.

[loucacciot]

The Tri State area will miss him I know I will :(

[BRONXGIRL10]

Thank you, Joe, for this beautiful tribute. Even though I probably met Ronnie in person twice over the past 30 years, I admired him so much for all the work he did to keep our music alive. When I moved to Arizona from the Bronx, each time I ordered records, cd's, dvd's or t-shirts, I always enjoyed our phone conversations. I am absolutely heartbroken.

Suzanne

[fosman10470]

Thank you as well Suzanne.

Even tho you are a Traitor for leaving Da Bronx :))

LuvYa,

Joe Pecoraro

[tommyscotttommy]

Very Nice Tribute.  Ronnie was one of the few that kept my love in vocal group accappella alive. God Bless you Ronnie.

Tommy "beaudaddy" Mitchell - ABQ, NM

[DOOWOPPSFOREVER]

Ronnie I was the best. I've known Ronnie since 1972.He's done more for this music then anyone alive today.I will miss his knowledge of the music,but he taught us all so well, and we will keep it going Ronnie. God Bless

Great tribute Joe.

[doowopbruce]

G-d bless you Ronnie - we promise to remember.

[8tsRwild]

This music WILL out live all of us due in part to Ronnies I's Dedication and Passion. This music has been made better by his touch and even more emotion felt because of his loss! My prayers go out to the Italiano Family as well as the entire UGHA family. Thank You "Ronnie I"

[8tsRwild]

The Heartfelt prayers of the Beauvais Family go out to The Italiano Family and the entire UGHA Family. Christine V said, Nothing will ever be the same, For us thats true, But this music WILL out live ALL of us due in part to Ronnies Dedication, Passion and Personal touch. Thank You Ronnie I for sharing that passion with us! All songs are sad today......

[8tsRwild]

The heartfelt prayers of the Beauvais Family go out to the Italiano Family and to the The UGHA Family, Christine V said, Nothing will ever be the same. Sadly thats true, But this music WILL outlive all of us due in part to Ronnies loving and passionate touch. Thank you "Ronnie I"

[sonnyrice]

I lost 3 people I cared about these past 2 weeks! Don Pedro-A Mayan Indian I know-Jeff Healey-Great Guitarist and The Great Ronnie I a true "Keeper of the Flame" R.I.P.---Don Keele Canada/Mexico

[lili1916]

A very warm and tender tribute to a great man, who put all his heart and soul in preserving the music he loved so much. May he rest in peace. I live in Sweden and have always listened to vocal group harmony singing..all way back to the 50´s. The first time I heard about Ronnie I. and the UGHA was 1992, when my dear old friend Harry Douglass, leader of the Deep River Boys, proudly told me about his first visit to UGHA and how happy he was for start up singing again backed up by Things To Come.

[beefoneeto]

Bringing back Harry was one of the great moments in my life.Ronnie truly did some amazing things-Harry,Golden Gate Quartet,Prisonaires..the list goes on.Harry was a beautiful gentleman and a wonderful entertainer.His birthday party at UGHA was one of my most cherished times there.

[mrderekevan]

I was sorry to hear that Ronnie I. passed away this week. I use to buy music at Clifton Music all the time. I'd sometimes hang out in the store for hours, looking at memorabilia, browsing through CD's and records, and listening to music that Ronnie had playing in the store. It's a great music shop! I also attended various UGHA shows & events over the years, and performed at some of them as well. Those were fun times! I give Ronnie credit for doing so much to keep the music alive for so long.

[thegroupharmonyalley]

A loving and respectful tribute. How my heart aches at this devastating loss of my best friend and biggest influence. Such emptiness now in the lives of many. Nothing will be the same anymore.

[fosman10470]

I thank you Christine.

Joe Pecoraro

[DesmondSunTV]

Nice One! Pleasure!

[fosman10470]

You are very very welcome SisterDawn

Joe P.

[doowopp64]

Ronnie I will always be remembered. He was an inspiration to all who love vocal group harmony. I thank him for all he did.

Rest is peace Ronnie.

[doowoplvr]

Ronnie I kept the sound alive with the founding of UGHA, I had the pleasure to e-mail back and forth with him, when I was trying to find a member of a accapella group

May he rest in peace. Thanks Joe for a nice tribute.

[fosman10470]

And I insist...Thank You

Joe P.

[hah13]

Didn't know he had died He did lots of good work keeping doo-wop alive

[fosman10470]

I agree