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The last steel guitar playing member of the famed Rogers Hawaiian music family, died this morning in his home town of Wahiawa. I'd only known Ron for about 10 years, but he opened up some of the family steel secrets and music to me, something I'll always treasure, along with his great smile which will never leave my mind.
Preceding him in passing were iconic Hawaiian steel guitarists, George, Benny, and David 'Feets' Rogers. Ron took from all three, and with his own style furthered the golden era of Hawaiian music into the year 2011. When he wasn't on left-handed steel (a real rarity), he'd grab his standard guitar and become the perfect old kind of performer not seem much today, a true showman that wooed the hula ladies and had everyone laughing during each song.
He's already greatly missed by those who loved and knew him.
Ron, you were a fun guy, thanx for being my friend and a fine teacher.
Aloha
Preceding him in passing were iconic Hawaiian steel guitarists, George, Benny, and David 'Feets' Rogers. Ron took from all three, and with his own style furthered the golden era of Hawaiian music into the year 2011. When he wasn't on left-handed steel (a real rarity), he'd grab his standard guitar and become the perfect old kind of performer not seem much today, a true showman that wooed the hula ladies and had everyone laughing during each song.
He's already greatly missed by those who loved and knew him.
Ron, you were a fun guy, thanx for being my friend and a fine teacher.
Aloha