Ronnie McNeir

One of the most underrated synth pioneers in soul/pop music is Ronnie McNeir. McNeir conceived a highly individualistic approach to music synthesis over the course of three albums and one EP. Hyperkentic (broken chord) jazzy synth-bass lines, churchy organ, multi-note piano chords, and sinewy high and mid-range ARP solo lines weave in and out of the mix while McNeir supplied all the vocals and acoustic drums. McNeir's tools for this aural wizardry were acoustic piano, melodica, the ARP 2000 and ARP Rhapsody synthesizers, and an organ rhythm box he dubbed "Mister Ed." Besides soul music fans and steppers, many albums in McNeir's catalog are favorites among Northern soul and beach music enthusiasts. The Camden, AL, native moved to Detroit, MI, at an early age. He taught himself piano by listening to the records of the day, including the sounds of Motown and jazz artists. As a teen, he won a talent contest and was rewarded with a single release, "Sitting in My Class," on the Deto label. In 1972, he made a trip out to California, where while playing in church he met Motown alumni Kim Weston and Mickey Stevenson. Using her private recording studio, he recorded his first album, Ronnie McNeir, for RCA that same year that included the singles "Summertime" (not the Porgy and Bess standard) and "Young Girl." "Summertime" was basis for the McNeir favorite "I'm Your Lover." The Ronnie McNeir LP was reissued around 1978 and became a perennial favorite in the U.K. Returning to Michigan, he began playing in churches and doing studio work, primarily at United Sound Studio in Detroit. To make ends meet, he also took a sales position with Mattel. In 1976, McNeir recorded a nice mid-tempo groover, "Wendy Is Gone," for Barney Ales' Prodigal label. Prodigal was Motown's "minor league"...