‘It’s
time to put the LIVE back into performances and ROMANCE back into R&B and
leading the charge is Ron Anthony, one of the hottest, most talented new
singer/songwriters to hit the scene. He is ready to take the world by storm with
his live performances with his big band, romantic lyrics and a voice that Luther
Vandross anointed as the next crooner!
With his powerful vocals and signature sound, Ron Anthony is poised
to usher in a new era of sexy soul. Ron comes across as a talented and humble
artist who is destined for big things.What have you been doing lately?
We’re working on a soundtrack for a film with Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. There’s a possibility that I may have a role in the film but that will be discussed nearer the time.
When did you begin writing your own songs?
When I was about 7 or 8 years old! I haven’t recorded any of them though…
What was it like going to the same school that Barbra Streisand went to?
It was the same music program that was around in her time; it was definitely a great experience for me. I think it’s very important that people study music to broaden their horizons to see past the black and white of music because music is colourless.
How did Luther Vandross come across you?
I was doing an off Broadway Show “Born To Sing” and I had a bunch of solos. He came to my dressing room and said how much he enjoyed my performance and that I was a great new talent. He watched me for a few shows over many years and after one show where I was singing background he signed me.
How much did his death have an impact on you?
I was devastated and relieved at the same time because he was a very independent person and after the stroke he had to rely on people to look after him. Although I knew I was going to miss him very much I knew he would be free from being encaged from a body that wouldn’t respond when he wanted it to.
I know that you appeared in a musical, would you want to do more in the future?
It would have to be a major thing for me to do it because right now I’m working on my music and the album to make it successful. People have put in a lot of work so it would be better to focus on that right now.
Linda [Berk] managed Ashanti who won a Grammy, how did you hook up with her and do you think you will be as successful?
I was singing at an open mic night in a bar and she was one of the attendees that night, I guess she thought I did well! With Linda’s expertise I know I’ll get that far, she makes stars.
How important do you think it is to sing live?
Very important I think. Live performances will dictate how good an artist is. It’s about presentation and to show you’re a real artist.
What will you be working on now?
The album’s almost finished; we’re going to get it mastered soon. We want the release to be a big deal. The soundtrack we’re working on will be released nearer the film release date which won’t be until a 2007. There are a few shows coming up at the Sugar Bar (where Linda saw me perform), some dates in Chicago…just keeping it going.
Will you be doing any collaborations in the future?
Yeah, I definitely hope so. With this soundtrack project there may be people such as Alicia Keys and Anthony Hamilton that will get involved, we’ve written the songs with those kinds of artists in mind.
www.ronanthony.com
www.myspace.com/ronanthony16
By Rashmi Shastri - Jun 2006