RONNIE MCNEIR OF THE FOUR TOPS

   Lewis Ronald McNeir was raised in Pontiac, Michigan, where exemplary sounds of  "sweet soul music" were all around him. A gifted pianist, possessed of a smooth n' easy tenor, McNeir jumped into the music business when he signed with De-to Records and recorded "Sitting in My Classroom," which has gained cult status among true soul connoisseurs and today commands hundreds of dollars. After a few more years on the then-vibrant Detroit soul scene, McNeir set his sights on Los Angeles. His reputation as a multitalented musician  preceded him, landing him a gig as Motown legend Kim Weston's musical director. He earned the respect of many Motown alumni, including Stevie Wonder's mentor and songwriter, Clarence Paul, and original Four Top Renaldo "Obie" Benson. Through his position, McNeir became known around town as a true talent and was signed to RCA records, where he began forging his own signature sound. McNeir's sound involved blending romantic tales of love and loss with lush synth instrumentation and subtle funky grooves. He released three albums, including the underrated Motown classic "Love Comin' Down," in the 1970s, all of which are held in high regard by soul aficionados. In the 1980s, McNeir's signature sound was in full effect. In 1984, "The Ronnie McNeir Experience" album entered the Billboard charts and featured the hit single "Come Be With Me." It was around this time Ronnie also produced one of the greatest steppers' grooves ever, Carrie Lucas' 1985 hit remake of "Hello Stranger." The recording is one of the most compelling examples of what happens when a producer tailors a track to truly fit the singer. Lucas' easy and soothing vocals are perfectly buoyed by a smooth synth track. The brilliantly produced track with background vocals provided by Lucas' Solar label mates, the mighty Whispers, begs to be enjoyed with a tropical concoction.  

In 1997, Ronnie released “Down In the Neighborhood.” “Neighborhood” is a slick concept album with a jazz funk and R&B groove which explores the sometimes gritty tales of life in the heart of urban America. The album tastefully blends the best elements of classic soul, smooth R&B and contemporary hip-hop sounds. In spite of his hectic touring schedule with the Tops, Ronnie continues to collaborate with many great talents, including fellow Four Top, Theo Peoples, a multitalented singer, songwriter and instrumentalist in his own right. The duo awaits the release of their collaborative CD, "Life's II Short" on Baytar Records. Citing, "no rest for the weary", Ronnie is currently back in the studio putting the finishing touches on his first solo CD, in ten years. Ronnie's longevity on the music scene and his impressive credentials have not made him a superstar but he commands the utmost respect from his peers. and loyal fans. He is cited as being an underrated pioneer in synth instrumentation, a prolific, song writer and producer with a smooth groove voice and easy smile. ~T.LYNN JACKSON~

The rhythmic tides of soul and R&B music are subject to change, but Ronnie McNeir has always surfed the waves of change with musical dexterity and smoothness of motion. Perhaps that's why the Camden, Alabama native's credits read like a who's who of soul music. Throughout his career, Ronnie has worked with numerous musical legends, including Bobby Womack, David Ruffin, Smokey Robinson, Angela Winbush, the Whispers, Carrie Lucas, Rance Allen and Eddie Kendricks. Most recently, McNeir was given what must be one of the greatest compliments a soul artist could possibly be given when he was called upon to leave his role as the Four Tops'fill-in musical director to become a member of the legendary Motown group. McNeir stepped in for Levi Stubbs, who was suffering from a health crisis and has since retired from touring. Since 1999, Ronnie McNeir and his fellow band mates have performed to excited audiences throughout the U.S, Europe and Asia. The current Tops lineup also includes Theo Peoples (formerly of the Temptations), Roquel Payton (son of original member Lawrence Payton) who stepped in after the recent passing of Renaldo "Obie " Benson, and original legendary Four Top, Abdul "Duke" Fakir.