Ronald " Ronnie" Phillip King

You probably know Ron King from his many appearances with major circuses and shows across North America. Since 1952 King has performed in 47 States and 10 Foreign Countries. Nicknamed "Butterfly" an early age for his hobby of collecting butterflies and insects. Ron got his start at 10 years old. sitting in playing cabaret shows on the infamous Baltimore Block. A much different time indeed, his talent was recognized and by the time he was 17 he was touring with the Tex Daniels Band, and touring the capitals of Europe, covering 10 countries with Mel Price & The Santa Fe Rangers. During this time Ron backed up many shows including a number of Grand Ole Opry stars such as Minnie Pearl, Johnny Cash, Roy Clark. “Little” Jimmy Dickens, and many other CW stars. In between road tours, ’62 - ’66, Ron opened his own music store, King’s Studio of Music, 7206 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD. Ron’s store hosted drum clinics conducted by the world’s drum greats, Gene Krupa, Louie Belson, and Max Roach. In 1967 he met his future wife and married in 1969. Fatherhood kept him stateside and for the next sixteen years he performed in and around Maryland working with three-piece bands like The Baysiders and also worked full orchestra ensembles of twenty pieces. During this time, he played worked for and ran the 15-piece The Hunt Valley Jazz, performing everywhere from nightclubs and radio to ethnic festivals and private parties. Starting in 1986 Ron and his son traveled throughout the United States and Canada playing for top international circus stars. Ron's keen sense of timing and his ability to accent cues for the various types of acts made him loved by both performers and audiences alike. He toured with George Hubler's International Shrine Circus, where he backed such performers as The Wallendas, Johnny Wellday and his Dancing Bears, and the Clyde Brothers Performing Elephants. In 1999 Ron toured for 7 weeks across Canada with the Wallenda Shrine Circus, a Great Wallenda, Inc. production, and featuring the Flying Wallendas. Ron played drums professionally for seven decades, and was in demand as a show drummer of unequaled ability. He played in dance bands, and paid his dues on club dates. His love of music, and his natural likability make him an asset to any show. During day Ron could be found doing his second love and full time day job as an automotive detail specialist. from 1969 till the early 2000s he worked at Swartz Cadillac, Franke Cadillac, Anderson In Hunt Valley as well as operating Ron's Auto Recon. During 1997 to 2000 Ron and his wife joined their son Andy and participated in his Civil War reenactments. Photographs of Ron and his family were published, as a centerfold, in Al Thelin’s and Kent Courtney’s seminal 1997 book, Returning To The Civil War. When not touring with a circus or stage production, Ron made his home in Baltimore, working for drum great, Dennis Chambers, chauffeuring and restoring his extensive drum collection. Also, he enjoyed collecting and restoring vintage drums, and working on his consistently first place winning 1985 Buick Riviera, W-15 phone number, okay website, exhibiting it in many shows on the East Coast. From time to time Ron would assemble musicians together and performs as The Fabulous Kingsmen, in various venues in the Baltimore Region. If you have missed Ron performing live, Ron can be seen on YouTube @ Ronnie King On Drums. Ron's final performance. was it the Autumn Leaf rehabilitation center just a few days before his passing with his friend and fellow musician Bobby Morris, doing is the often did sitting in for a few numbers. Ron was endorsed by the DW Drum Company, The Bellow Drum Company, and MusicLives® LLC –makers of the Gromble & Cymbal Chief. Ronald was preceded by his wife Jacqueline Teresa Maria LaPaglia (d.2014) son Joseph Vincent (d.1974) and his legacy carried on by his Son Andrew Michael (b.1970) , Grandson Henry Howard (b.2012). and Second Cousin Michelle Kirby King (b.1968). Family and friends may call at Johnson-Fosbrink Funeral and Cremation Services, P.A., 8521 Loch Raven Blvd. (beltway exit 29B) on Tuesday, October 3rd from 2 to 4p.m.; where services will begin at 4:00pm. Interment is private. The family requests in lieu of flowers Please make a donation in Ronald's name to: https://www.drumsfordrummers.org/donate/ Drums for Drummers Org c/o Tom Stewart 25781 La Serra Laguna Hills, California 92653

Ronald " Ronnie" Phillip King

October 31, 1942 - September 25, 2023