Ronnie Stephenson

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Ronnie Stephenson (born January 26, 1937 in Sunderland , † August 8, 2002 in Dundee ) was a British modern jazz drummer . In the 1960s in particular, he was one of the most sought-after European drummers.

Life and effect

Stephenson initially wanted to be a tap dancer , but then turned to drums when he was fourteen. He received lessons and played first in the band of his older brother Bill, then with Ray Chester. At the age of sixteen he switched to Lita Roza's backing band . Between 1955 and 1957 he did his military service in the Royal Signals Band . He then worked at Don Smith before joining Ian Carr and his brother Mike in 1958 and starring in the rapidly becoming EmCee Five . In 1960 Kenny Clare gave him his position in the orchestra of John Dankworth . From 1963 he was part of Stan Tracey's combo , with whom he also accompanied American guest soloists such as Stan Getz , Sonny Rollins , Zoot Sims , Wes Montgomery and Ella Fitzgerald at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club . He also played at NDR with Montgomery, Hans Koller and Martial Solal . He was also successful as a studio musician. With his colleague Kenny Clare he played the album Drum Spectacular in 1966 . Then he worked with Tubby Hayes , Ronnie Scott (with whom he also appeared in the United States) and again with Dankworth. After a tour through Germany with Tom Jones , Kurt Edelhagen offered him a place in his orchestra in 1969 . After three years with Edelhagen in Cologne, he played in Berlin from 1972 in the big band of Paul Kuhn , as well as with Berry Lipman and his band in Cologne's Cornet studio, but also went on tour with Quincy Jones . In 1981 he moved to the Theater des Westens orchestra , where he worked with Rolf Kühn and stayed until 1995; he also appeared in a trio with Heinz von Hermann . He taught at the Hochschule der Künste from 1990 to 1993. On medical advice, he gave up playing in 1995 and turned to 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 , Ronaldo Folegatti and Werner Twardy .

Discographic notes

Web links

personal data
SURNAME Stephenson, Ronnie
BRIEF DESCRIPTION British jazz drummer
DATE OF BIRTH January 26, 1937
PLACE OF BIRTH Sunderland
DATE OF DEATH August 8, 2002
Place of death Dundee