 VIC FIRTH ARTIST Ralph MacDonald was one of the consummate percussion artists of our time. He played with the greatest and was also one of the greatest players. As a producer and composer, his music will remain with us forever. He was an irreplaceable loss to the music world. About Ralph: Over the decades, Ralph MacDonald was known for being many things including a virtuoso percussionist, devoted friend, record producer, a two-time Grammy-winner, publisher, musical arranger, composer, loving father, and philanthropist. His most notable nickname came from a New York Times interview where they called him, “the ghost behind the million-selling albums.” Destined for more, MacDonald came from humble beginnings. He was born in 1944 and grew up in Harlem, New York. The start of his love for music began shortly thereafter during his childhood. MacDonald has been quoted for mentioning that he was extremely lucky to have his teachers at such a young age: his father and uncles. His family emigrated from Trinidad and his father was a successful Calypso performer known as “Macbeth the Great.” It was at the age of 17 when MacDonald caught the attention of Harry Belafonte and joined his tour. And with a challenge from Belafonte himself, he delivered the critically-acclaimed album in 1966 known as “Calypso Carnival.” And with this success came the start of a long career where MacDonald established himself as an incredible performer, writer, and collaborator. His versatility allowed him to work with hundreds of artists including Billy Joel, David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, Amy Winehouse, Maynard Ferguson, and Jimmy Buffet. Despite being in heavy demand throughout his career, MacDonald never abandoned his Caribbean roots or his charming modesty. In 1977 when he was questioned about being relatively unknown compared to his peers, he said, “I don’t want to be a superstar. Above all, I’m a musician first.” Ralph MacDonald passed away on December 18, 2011 from lung cancer. He was 67 years of age. He is survived by his wife Grace, their children Nefra-Ann and Atiba, and two children from a previous marriage, Anthony and Jovonni. |
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PERSONAL REFLECTION I first met Ralph MacDonald in 1997. Throughout my career I could always rely on Ralph for several things, but two things come to mind immediately; his musicianship and his warm smile. Whenever I produced an event Ralph was my first call for percussion. He had the mature ability to know when to play, what to play and when not to play. His sense of time was impeccable and his groove was addictive. Every drummer who has ever played with him will agree with me when I say he could quite possibly be one of the most musical percussionists to have walked the earth. That all being said, Ralph was much more than an amazing musical talent. He was an incredible person. I always looked forward to working with him. I never had to worry about him – he was self sufficient and had no ego. He just rolled with the punches and made everyone smile. He never stressed about things and always brought laughter to a tense situation. In fact I would say he was my therapist on many a show. He had a knack for making me realize we were making music and entertaining people, not conducting brain surgery. No one musician on the stage could make that point clearer and by doing so he was able to wash all the egos on stage away. It helped create a level playing field that was fun to perform on. There is one moment I will never forget. During one of the shows I produced, a bunch of the band members pushed me on stage to play. Though I am a drummer I tend to stay away from the kit when I am around these great drummers I have the privilege to work with. After all, it would be embarrassing. Well this one time they all got me out to play for about 30 seconds. That was when Rick Marotta, my co-producer, threw me off stage and rightfully so. Anyway, as I was playing I looked up and realized I was playing with all these musicians I had always dreamed of playing with. It was very surreal; however, the pinnacle moment was when my eyes locked with Ralph’s smile. That was the instant I think I actually realized what music was truly all about. That smile has stayed with me ever since and will forever more. Here is to you Ralph MacDonald. You will forever be loved and missed. |
