| Tribute to Ron Capone [message #127659] |
Thu, 02 February 2006 14:19  |
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I just received the terrible news that one of modern music's great Engineers has passed away.
Ron Capone was a mainstay at the Stax Studios in Memphis, engineering many great sounds over the years.
His roots were in New Orleans, but he made the World his home.
Later work in Los Angeles was also wonderful.
Ron was a friend to so many, and a special person.
May he rest in peace.
Missing friends,
Terry
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| Re: Tribute to Ron Capone [message #127827 is a reply to message #127659 ] |
Fri, 03 February 2006 00:46  |
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I don't yet know any circumstances. If I hear anything, I will let you all know.
I learned a lot from Ron.
Best regards,
Terry
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| Re: Tribute to Ron Capone [message #127884 is a reply to message #127659 ] |
Fri, 03 February 2006 10:58 |
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This was sent to me by none other than Steve Cropper:
"HI, THIS IS STEVE CROPPER,
SINCE MY COOKIE EXPIRED AND I'M ACCUSED OF BEING AN ILLEGAL USER AND POSTED AS AN INTRUDER, MAYBE YOU CAN PASS THIS ALONG IF YOU THINK IT
IS WORTHY OF BEING READ BY ANYBODY ELSE.
RON CAPONE,
RON HAS TO BE ONE OF THE MOST TALENTED EAR QUALITY ENGINEERS TO EVER
POSITION A MICROPHONE. NOT ONLY DID HE HAVE A GREAT HEART, HE WAS BORN
WITH AN INNER TIME CLOCK WHICH IS EXTREMELY HARD TO FIND. AL JACKSON THE
DRUMMER ON ALL THE GREAT STAX HITS HAD ONE TOO. WITH ALL DUE RESPECT,
THERE ARE A LOT OF GREAT AND TALENTED PEOPLE WITH TREMENDOUS AMOUNTS OF SUCCESS UNDER THEIR BELT THAT DON'T HAVE AN INNER CLOCK.
AND COULDN'T RECORD A SET OF DRUMS PROPERLY IF YOU PAID THEM A MIL.
A BEAT. RON COULD SUS OUT A ROOM IN TEN MINUTES AND KNOW WHAT TO DO
WITH IT. HE KNEW HOW TO RECORD FRENCH HORNS, STRINGS AND ALL SYMPHONY INSTRUMENTS BUT THE BEST THING HE TAUGHT ME WAS HOW TO
MIKE A LESLEY SPEAKER FOR A HAMMOND ORGAN. I'VE BEEN WATCHING GUYS
DO IT WRONG FOR FORTY YEARS. BUT LIKE ANYTHING ELSE, THERE ARE NO
ABSOLUTE SETS RULES FOR RECORDING. IF SOMETHING WORKS, KEEP DOING IT.
AS AL JACKSON USED TO SAY "WE'RE NOT GOING TECH ARE WE"?
AS FAR AS I KNOW, RONNIE NEVER HAD AN ENEMY AND HE NEVER GOT MAD OR
SHOWED ANGER WITH ANY BODY OR ANYTHING. THAT'S THE WAY I WOULD LIKE
TO REMEMBER ONE OF THE GREATEST FRIENDS I EVER HAD. WE MADE A LOT OF
HISTORY TOGETHER. IT WILL OUT LIVE BOTH OF US AND TIME MOVES ON.
I GUESS LOU RAWLS AND WILSON PICKETT NEEDED AN ENGINEER. GUESS TOM
DOWD NEEDS A LITTLE BREAK.
THIS HAS BEEN ONE HELL OF A JANUARY. I PRAY THAT FEBRUARY IS A LITTLE
SOFTER ON THE ONES WHO ARE STILL HERE.
GOD BLESS LOU, WILSON, RON AND ALL MY FRIENDS I'VE LOST ALREADY THIS YEAR.
STEVE CROPPER '06"
Wow!
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| Re: Tribute to Ron Capone [message #127886 is a reply to message #127659 ] |
Fri, 03 February 2006 10:59 |
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And this from reknowned session bass player Mike Leech:
"One of the earliest recording sessions I played on was at HI Studio; the
artist was Sandy Posey; the song was "Born A Woman." Ronnie Capone played
drums. I think that was the first and last time I ever worked a session
with Ron on drums. That was around 1964. At some point he began work as
engineer at Pepper-Tanner Jingle Co. I played on several jingles there, and
did hang out some in the control booth with Ronnie. We were good friends.
Mike"
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| Re: Tribute to Ron Capone [message #127943 is a reply to message #127659 ] |
Fri, 03 February 2006 14:13 |
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This information just received:
"Terry,
Jud sent me a forward of all the postings about Ron.
He will be sadly missed.
Would you please let everyone know there will be a memorial service in Shreveport on Monday, February 6 at 11:00.
It will be held in the sanctuary of First Assembly of God Church, 5720 Buncombe Road, Shreveport, LA 71129.
I am hoping those who have posted will not mind if their thoughts are shared at the memorial.
Thanks,
Cathy Williams"
I responded that everyone here would be very happy to have their thoughts regarding Ron's wonderful life shared at the Memorial Service. This is the least we can do.
Terry
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| Re: Tribute to Ron Capone [message #128076 is a reply to message #127659 ] |
Fri, 03 February 2006 23:44 |
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From old friend and music/recording stalwart Tim Whitsett:
"I appreciate your keeping me posted about Ronnie Capone. All I can say is Dammit! He was just one of those make-no-enemy kind of guys, always fun, always friendly, and always in the highest ranks of hall-of-fame-worthy engineers.
Best regards,
Tim"
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| Re: Tribute to Ron Capone [message #128098 is a reply to message #127659 ] |
Sat, 04 February 2006 02:15 |
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This is a tough day for me. Although I haven't had any contact with Ronnie in a couple of years (my great loss), it breaks my heart to know that one of the finest engineers and a truly great person is no longer here to share his extensive knowledge and experience...and hilarious jokes. Back in the day before digital editing (when editing meant tape and a razor blade), there was no engineer even close to his skill in that area. I have tons of fond and amusing memories of many projects I worked on with him where his mike placement expertise and editing skills saved many a project from complete disaster. We even played some gigs together. He was a damn good drummer.
Ronnie was a good friend and a great guy. He will be missed.
Marvell Thomas
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| Re: Tribute to Ron Capone [message #128158 is a reply to message #127659 ] |
Sat, 04 February 2006 12:33 |
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For those following this event, and to whom this thread is a source of needed information, here is the following:
"Terry,
That is so touching. I have printed and will give to Tina & Gen. They couldn't read the postings I printed yesterday - too emotional, but I know in the end they will be a great source of comfort for them.
If it's not too late to let anyone know, Tina has requested that any flowers be sent to Donaldsonville.
There will be visitation and Mass there on Wednesday beginning at 9:00 am at the Ascension Catholic Church, 716 Mississippi St., Donaldsonville, LA 70346.
Thank you so much for helping to get the word out. Visitation will be in the adjoining Parish Hall at 9:00 and the Mass will begin at 10:30 in the church.
Had a good visit with Tina and Gen last night at a mutual friend's house. Watched some old videos and laughed at many a memory. Shed a few tears too. The family will get to view the body today, he will be cremated this afternoon, and then the service will be Monday.
Once we get past the "Why didn't I...?", "I should have . . . ", and "If only..." stages, we can begin to accept and heal.
It's never easy!
[and further]
There will be visitation and Mass Wednesday in Donaldsonville.
Visitation will be in the Parish Hall building at 9:00 am and the mass will be at the adjoining Ascension Catholic Church at 10:30.
Tina has asked that any flowers not already ordered be sent there so the family won't have to transport from here.
The address is Ascension Catholic Church, 716 Mississippi St., Donaldsonville, LA 70346.
If anyone needs lodging, we have one bedroom with a firm King mattress, one bedroom with a soft double, and 2 Queen sleeper sofas that we can join the mattresses to make one almost comfortable sleeper!
Thanks for all your doing.
CATHY
PS - one big favor to ask.
Is there a segment on the Grammy Awards where they recognize the passing of Grammy winners? Could we somehow get word to them about Ron? "
By the way, the Jud mentioned is Jud Phillips, of the famous musical Sam Phillips family. Marvell Thomas is son of music legend Rufus Thomas, brother of soul singer Carla Thomas (the "Queen" to Otis Redding's "King"), and one of the world's greatest keyboard players/nicest people.
Ronnie had a lot of really good and nice friends.
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| Re: Tribute to Ron Capone [message #128176 is a reply to message #127659 ] |
Sat, 04 February 2006 13:32 |
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Another incredible outpouring of love and respect from someone who KNOWS:
"Friends,
I worked closely with Ronnie Capone for many years. A greater talent in audio has not been born.
I always knew if Ronnie was in the booth, the horns would be 'right...'
He played drums on many the Mar-key gigs with Andrew Love and myself, so we had many late night car rides together in which we laughed and learned about each others lives. He was a true Cajon and loved everyone and got loved back. And he loved his Scotch.
He had a heart condition and sugar. Not a friendly combination.
His daughter called this morning and said Ronnie had suffered a long time and was tired, and as she put it, "ready."
A truly sweet soul has gone home and will be missed on this earth.
With respect, love and honor,
Wayne Jackson / Memphis Horns"
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| Re: Tribute to Ron Capone [message #128895 is a reply to message #127659 ] |
Mon, 06 February 2006 17:38 |
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The Memorial Service and burial were held today.
This was sent to me by Cathy who was there:
"It was a very nice service - how strange to say that.
There was a lot of laughing and crying as different ones got up to recall stories of Ron, a lot of heads nodding as people recalled similar incidents or recognized the same personality traits. Gen and Tina held up very well - I think they were pleased with how it was conducted. Tina still couldn't look at many of the emails [and your posts here] that have been sent, but Gen did take excerpts to include in the program.
Instead of hymns, we made a tape of songs of which Ron had been a part. I advised the sound man of a couple of places where he might need to bring the sound down for an instant or two - it being in church and all!
Didn't see anyone from out of state, but many local dignitaries were there. James Burton and Ken Shepherd both spoke.
The church fed everyone in the parlor afterwards. There were framed pictures of Ron everywhere. We had the puppet from the Ron Capone Day benefit set up to draw everyone's attention to the guest registry. We also had a petition started to get Ron nominated for induction into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. James said he was friends with the president of the board and he would help us get heard.
It was good to see many people I hadn't seen for a long time. Sure did make me long for "the old days" when music was so much fun and we were all a big family. Where did we go astray? Ron was such a focus point for all of that.
I miss him.
Cathy"
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