Joey Dee and Jimi Hendrix

Ronnie Grieco at Madison Square Garden

Ronnie Grieco - Nothing But Heart, Ronnie Grieco Official Website, www.ronniegrieco.com

I learned a long, long time ago from a very wise man, my Father, who was a great man. He bought my first Sax for me at age 8, took me for lessons, supported and encouraged me musically every day till the day he passed away...back to this wise man's saying...Today is today, yesterday is gone and will never come again. Remember only the good and fond memories. As for tomorrow, well tomorrow may never come; today is today, be good and kind to all you meet and do what you love and comes your way that day...

Ronnie Grieco Interview

I have had so many, it seems the great ones I have backed on stage and have known. The greater their talent and fame, the kinder and more gracious they were to me. I had a great one just the other night, I interviewed my friend and fellow Sax man, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and founder of Sly and The Family Stone, Jerry Martini for my radio show. We talked for two hours after the interview about old times, music friends of ours. It was a delight to say the least...and of course, being asked by Jackie Wilson (when I was a "very, very" young teen) to join him on stage and back him for a 90 min. show...that first meeting and going on stage with him has never left my musical heart's memory banks. He was incredibly kind, gracious and encouraging to me, as were so many other great artists.

Can you tell us about your most enjoyable experience working with other musicians

Recently you appeared on a documentary with Joey Dee about the history of Rock and Roll. You've worked together for a long time. How did you meet?

Joey Dee has always been in my life (although he is not my brother in the truest sense of the word, he is my brother in every sense of the word.) We lived close by each other; he was out there doing music successfully when I was growing up; he was a close friend of my family. While I was a member of "the great!" Benny Gordon and The Soul Brothers band, there were occasions when we were billed at the same venue...as for joining his band...Benny had some health issues and was unable to perform. Joey knew me of course and asked Perry Smith (Benny's drummer) and I if we would like to go on tour with him. That tour and friendship has lasted parts of 5 decades, simultaneously with me being a solo artist. Although I no longer perform these days with him, he is revered by me and we are in contact frequently.

Madison Square Garden, NY City...The greatest of the greats have performed there and as a young man growing up it kind of stuck in my head "how neat would it be to someday stand on the same stage that so many greats have played."

What has been the most memorable venue you've ever played and why?

Your work has taken you on a lot of touring - What's the most important lesson you've learned 'on the road'?

People with a love of music, regardless of the country I visit or various parts of the US are so similar and just a delight to meet.

As for today, I love to play, I still perform in person every chance I get as a solo artist. I still of course play on other artists' recordings and back them on stage. I'm hosting a radio show now as well. I really like it and I would like to do more of it. It's new to me, but I'm applying the same passion to doing a quality professional entertaining show, as I did and do with my music. I would like as well to MC shows for musical artists. I also teach music, as well as mentor a great and very talented young singer, Chelsea Palermo.

Challenges were never a word I heard growing up in music. I never heard a great entertainer, vocalist or musician ever say to me their dream was to be rich and famous doing music...as for advice, if you were born with an inner passion to sing or play an instrument, no matter your talent level, or venues you play...enjoy the journey. That passion and love of music will enrich your life in so many, many ways...just do it and do it because it is who you are and what your musical heart's passion must do to beat.

Chelsea Palermo, 25 year old vocalist. One word describes her, "amazing!"

To me, any genre of music that is done with heart and passion touches me and I enjoy it, from Pavarotti and Jackie Wilson, to a hundred great artists and bands in between...

Could you tell us more about what your work involves today?

What kind of challenges face vocalists and musicians today and do you have any advice for young musicians venturing into the industry for the first time?

Are there any up-and-coming artists you could recommend?

What other kinds of music do you enjoy listening to?

You have a new CD out, 'Nothing But Heart' - Can you tell us about the tracks featured on it?

I recorded some tracks that are the most well received when I perform in person...All By Myself', Life Is But A Dream, Sleep Walk, Because You Love Me, for example, seem to touch a chord with a segment of my audience. As for What Does It Take, I've been doing that tune for a hundred years and my friend Phil Granito of the Duprees was kind enough to sing on that recording.

You're currently hosting a radio show, 'Legends Of Soul Hour'. What's the inspiration behind your choice of tracks?

As for the tracks I choose, I'm very lucky, they are all from my personal collection from my childhood. All are artists and tunes I love...and as I said, I'm very lucky, as listeners to "The Legends of Soul Hour" are lovers of the artists and recordings I have and play.

Spend some quality time with my 16 year old daughter, practice 2 hours, script my radio show, answer e-mails from new and old friends, book some music work gigs and "live" not just breathe air...

Could you describe a typical day in the life of Ronnie Grieco?

What are your plans for the future?

Ronnie Grieco Interview

Read Ronnie's interview with Manila Soul Club here