Ron Hedland - A Celebration of His Music and Life
On Sunday, December 13th, over four hundred friends of slain musician
Ron Hedland met at the Brunswick House to celebrate his music and life.
Ron had no "angle" in the music business, no hype or collection of personas; it was the music itself that represented him. Originally from Norfolk, Virginia, he began his performing career over thirty-five years ago, playing with local acts, progressing to sessions in New York and opening for the likes of Taj Mahal, Jerry Jeff Walker, Susan Jacks and the classic Dick Clark's Caravan of Stars. Ron moved to Toronto in the early seventies to become a charter member of the Yonge Street lounge scene, forming the band Sly Fox. His career continued with various groups including Five Guys On A Riser and RH Positive, as well as countless solo and sideman gigs. Ron's CBC recordings have been programmed across Canada to critical acclaim. He was adept as a jingle singer and voice-over spokesman for national advertising campaigns. That distinctive voice found a home as house announcer at the infamous "Le Strip". The 1990's saw Ron as an active member of the Beaches community performing at The Beaches Jazz Festival and as a regular entertainer at both Quigley's and Fitzgerald's pubs.
The Sunday evening tribute opened with an all star jazz group organized by Glenn Chadwick featuring Bobby Brough and Paul Fleming. They were followed by Toronto favourites Morgan Davis, Unknown Maracas, Kenny Brown and the gospel styles of John T. Davis featuring Jackie , Naomi Tyrell and Tiki Mercury-Clarke. Vito Rezza took over with active interplay with his band Five After Four. The Pie Guys celebrated Ron's music with performances of "Diplomacy" and "Mashed Potatos and Butterscotch Socks". Elaine Kilpatrick joined them for "Dabbling With Addiction" and long-time colleague and friend Thom Cosgrove followed with a moving personal reading of "Someday" which brought many to their feet and tears to many eyes. Soulman Johnny Wright kept the applause going with a deep Memphis set and Canada's blues band, Downchild, took it all home.
Ron Hedland was a performer of a variety of styles, found both in his own unique compositions and chosen songs from the traditions that affected his life. A triple threat on keyboards, drums and vocals, he had a voice that could warm a room in winter. "I try to keep my music in the music business", he said. You did, Ron.
The night was punctuated with memories by Fraser Finlayson, John Valenteyn, Gary Kendall, Danny Marks, Will Cunningham and a chilling moment by Ron's daughter Karen and grandson Travis that served to remind us how unhappy Ron's life had been until its premature end.
All donations raised will be administrated by family members to produce a CD compilation representing Ron Hedland's body of work. For those who would like to donate to this cause, please send cheques payable to Karen Hedland c/o P.O. Box 19005, 360 Bloor Street West, Toronto M5S IXO. Karen would like to thank the Toronto music community for its response and generosity.