One of the most underrated synth pioneers in soul music is Ronnie McNeir. McNeir conceived a highly individualistic approach to music synthesis over the course of three albums and the one EP featured at www.danceclassic.com. Hyperkentic (broken chord) jazzy synth-bass lines, churchy organ, multi-note piano chords, and sinewy high and mid-range ARP solo lines weave in and out of the mix while McNeir supplied all the vocals and acoustic drums. McNeir's tools for this aural wizardry were acoustic piano, melodica, the ARP 2000 and ARP Rhapsody synthesizers, and an organ rhythm box he dubbed Mister Ed. Besides soul music fans and steppers, many albums in McNeir's catalog are favorites among Northern soul and beach music enthusiasts. The Camden, AL, native moved to Detroit, MI, at an early age. He taught himself piano by listening to the records of the day, including the sounds of Motown and jazz artists. In 1984, a four-song EP produced by Horizon Productions was released by Capitol. The Ronnie McNeir Experience featured a Rene Moore and Angela Winbush-penned song, Come on be with me, as its sole charting single. In 1985, McNeir made it to the upper half of Billboard's R&B charts as the producer/composer of I couldn't believe it (remixed by Nick Martinelli), a hit for former Temptations members David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks, who recorded as Ruffin & Kendricks for RCA.

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D i s c o g r a p h y

Ronnie McNeir

1984