Robert Daniel Ronco

Robert (Bobby) Daniel Ronco passed away on May 2, 2014.

Artist bio: Bobby Ronco was a member of The Force, Freestone, The Flamin’ Groovies, The New Society Band and The Rockerfellas.

Bobby Ronco started as a drummer perhaps the “biggest Beatles fan” and played in numerous groups including a Dion tour. He was a good friend of Little Richard. He started in The Force in 1967, and worked in 1972 with Delta Spud and the Hogaroos. In 1974 he moved to LA and was the drummer for Freestone and was their lead singer until 1979. He then moved back to Miami and joined The New Society Band.

In 1980, together with Drew Berlin, Bobby Ronco formed The Rockerfellas, which performed in concerts and clubs in the south Florida area (including a 5 year residency at The Playpen in Ft. Lauderdale). The Rockerfellas continued on with a few different drummers. In 1991 he recorded as a member with The Flamin’ Goovies on the Step Up album. They also recorded a cover of his song “Middle Class Blues.” Bobby was credited With The Groovies as guitar, vocals in 1989-90. In 1993 he was asked by Jimmy Buffet to write “Everything I Say” for the “Margarittavile Café Late Night” CD compilation with The Rockerfellas.

Bobby Ronco was the recipient of the Florida's Civil Recognition Award which recognized his acts of compassion and kindness. He was an animal rights activist, a member of PETA and a vegetarian since his late teens.

Websites:

http://limestonelounge.yuku.com/topic/2936/Bobby-Ronco#.Vgf53rHON8E

Videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5YX6UrEr1c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTRek-iwd-g