Lexington Scene

By Steve Nall

Hello all. Normally, I would be bringing you the news on some Lexington area bands and events that you should be watching out for, but this month is sadly different. On January 9, 2004 we lost Ron Harris, one of the best blues guitarists this town has ever seen. Ron was a great performer as well as a great man. I only got to sit down and talk with him once, but the charisma and confidence he had was unmistakable. In case you didn't get to read my October 2003 column about his band, I'd like to let you know a little about the musician Ron Harris.

Ron began playing guitar at age 6 and was doing paying gigs at weddings by the time he was 12. He has played solo and with his band The Knott Brothers, literally all over the country and in many foreign countries, including Germany, Brazil and France. He played on releases by legends such as Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown and Curtis T. Judd and also recorded his own albums for many different record labels, including Polygram and Razor & Tie.

Ron was a musical inspiration to all who knew him and he will be missed greatly. The family has a guestbook at http://legacy.com for musicians and friends to leave their condolences. Johnny Throttle of the local band Psycho Bitch Magnet and some members of other bands have been planning a tribute show to Ron with the proceeds going to benefit his family. I'm not sure where or when this will happen as of yet, but you can check the message board at http://lexmusic.net for updates on the show.

If you have any questions, comments, want me to check out your band or just get some show dates out there, email me at thelexscene@hotmail.com. Next month I'll be back with news and updates about the bands that live here and make up the Lexington Scene.