Story & Photos by Chris Spiewak
Musicians are a well-traveled bunch; some journey around the county or state, and some trek across the country. For a songwriter, the experiences garnered from time on the road can be invaluable, even helping shape a person and their opinions and values. Long Branch singer/songwriter Ronnie Brandt has spent a good amount of time on the open road, allowing him to trace the roots of his early musical influences and making him the musician that he is today. Known to many as ‘The Singing Cowboy’, Brandt presents an authentic portrayal of the old-time cowboy poet, ala Kris Kristofferson and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott.
Brandt grew up around music, but his earliest encounter was a bit out of the ordinary, to say the least. Growing up in Plainfield, Ronnie’s father Al owned a drug store, and a local doo wop group would sometimes hang out on the corner by the store to rehearse. Feeling bad for these gentlemen when poor weather ensued, Al Brandt offered them the family room at his house for rehearsal. As it turns out, the leader of this group was George Clinton, and this group later became Parliament, now members of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Relocating to Loch Arbor at the age of 10, Brandt would visit his father’s gift shop in Asbury Park, in the old Empress Hotel building, near The Golddigger bar and The Sunshine Inn. With music lofting through the streets in those days, Brandt became hooked and received his first guitar at age 14. Interestingly, the lyrics and stories from legendary writers Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan and Hank Williams captured his attention first, and the music then soon followed.
Writing throughout high school, Brandt first performed at the late, great Mrs. Jays bar in Asbury Park, and went on to work regularly, often with prominent Shore singer/songwriter Laura Crisci. Feeling inspired, the adventurous Brandt hit the road in 1980 for Waco, Texas, where he found great success. As part of the popular country band Freewheelin’, this Jersey boy spent the next year and a half touring the entire Midwest, from Texas to Minnesota and all parts in between. Leaving the band in 1982, Brandt spent time in California and Hawaii before returning east in 1984. He settled back in NJ and continued to perform and write new songs, and prepared himself for the next chapter.
In 1998, Brandt was fortunate to work with Rob Hyman and Eric Bazilian, two of the founding members of Philly-based rock band The Hooters, to record his first studio album entitled ‘Rudy’s Thread’. The title was a tribute to his late mother, who undoubtedly inspired all involved to produce some fantastic music. Tracks like ‘Miles To Go’, ‘I Can’t Help Myself’ and ‘Strong Enough’ showcase Brandt’s songwriting strengths. With Hyman and Bazilian’s influence, there is a hint of pop/rock to this release, but the folk/country basis is still well represented. In 2001 ‘Dig A Little Deeper’ was released, a strong follow-up album, featuring ‘I Won’t Be Denied’, the superb ‘Free Enterprise’ (a bluesy number, done a cappella, showcasing Brandt’s strong vocal ability) and the fun and funky ‘Everything Changes’.
Ronnie Brandt had always worked a 9-to-5 job to supplement his music, and in 2003 his life would change forever. Founding Children’s Educational Assemblies, he began presenting a live interactive music program for K-through-6 students at any school that would have him. To date, he has delivered the history of our country through stories and music to over 400,000 students at hundreds of schools in seven states. Leaving the corporate world behind him, Brandt is now proud to refer to himself as a full-time musician for the past 13 years.
Two more albums have arrived, ‘Show Me Some Heart’ in 2011, and ‘Follow Your Footsteps’ in 2013, featuring local singer/songwriter Cat London on backing vocals. Mr. Ronnie Brandt is a genuine slice of Americana, taking you back to the simpler days of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Of course, his performances do feature more current music selections as well, with great renditions of songs by Paul Simon and Neil Young during a recent show at The Bar Room in Deal. Locally, you can see him at Val’s in Rumson once a month, as well as many other local venues, so check www.ronniebrandt.com for his latest schedule, and visit cdbaby.com to grab some great music from a true musician at large.
Chris Spiewak is currently the bassist for Rock/Blues cover band VyntEdge.
