Ron Thompson

Biography

After honing his chops behind Little Joe Blue and John Lee Hooker, guitarist Ron Thompson went solo in 1980, forming his own blues/roots-rock trio, the Resisters. Just Like a Devil, a 1990 release on pianist Mark Naftalin's Winner label, was culled from Thompson's appearances on Naftalin's Blue Monday Party radio program.

Born and raised in Oakland, California, Thompson began playing guitar when he was 11, picking up slide guitar shortly afterward. When he was in his late teens, he was playing slide guitar with Little Joe Blue. For about five years, he worked in local Bay Area clubs, both as a solo artist and a supporting musician. In 1975, John Lee Hooker asked Thompson to join his backing band and the guitarist accepted. For the next three years, he played with Hooker, developing a national reputation.

Thompson left Hooker in 1978. Two years later, he formed his own band, the Resistors, and landed a contract with Takoma Records. Thompson's debut album, Treat Her Like Gold, appeared in 1983. Although he launched a solo career, Thompson continued to play with a number of other musicians, including Lowell Fulson, Etta James, and Big Mama Thornton. In 1987, his second album, Resister Twister, was released; it was followed shortly afterward by Just Like a Devil. Thompson continued to perform throughout the late '80s and '90s, although he didn't record quite as frequently. ~ Bill Dahl, All Music Guide