Ronnie Stephenson
Ronnie Stephenson ( born January 26, 1937 in Sunderland; † August 8, 2002 in Dundee ) was a British drummer of modern jazz. In particular, in the 1960s, he was one of the most sought after European drummer.
Life and effect
Stephenson wanted to be a tap dancer at first, but then turned fourteen the drums. He took lessons, played in the band of his older brother Bill, then at Ray Chester. At sixteen, he joined the backing group of Lita Roza. Between 1955 and 1957 he did his military service in the Royal Signals Band. Then he worked with Don Smith, before 1958 Ian Carr and his brother Mike joined and played in the rapidly becoming known EmCee Five. 1960 Kenny Clare gave him his position in the orchestra by John Dankworth. Starting in 1963, he belonged to the combo of Stan Tracey, with whom he also accompanied American guest soloists such as Stan Getz, Sonny Rollins, Zoot Sims, Wes Montgomery and Ella Fitzgerald in Ronnie Scott 's Jazz Club. He also played for NDR with Montgomery, Hans Koller and Martial Solal. He was also successful as a studio musician. With his colleague Kenny Clare in 1966, he played the album Drum Spectacular one. Then he worked with Tubby Hayes, Ronnie Scott ( with whom he appeared in the United States) and again with Dankworth. After a tour with Tom Jones by Germany as early as 1969 Kurt Edelhagen offered a place in his orchestra. After three years at Edelhagen in Cologne, he played from 1972 in Berlin in the big band of Paul Kuhn, but went wrong with Quincy Jones on tour. In 1981, he joined the orchestra of the Theatre of the West, where he worked with Rolf Kühn and remained until 1995; next he performed in a trio with Heinz von Hermann. At the University of the Arts he taught from 1990 to 1993. On medical advice he gave in 1995 to play on and turned the game of golf.
He also worked with Roland Kirk, Gerry Mulligan, Sonny Stitt, Barney Kessel, Benny Goodman, Nelson Riddle, Mel Tormé, Cleo Laine, Peter Herbolzheimer, Hans Rettenbacher and Werner Twardy.