Ron Bartley has been around music since before he was born. His parents were the hit-making duo known as the Singing Sweethearts who performed across the country. At a very young age Ron would pick up his dad's Gibson Hummingbird guitar and mimic entertainers such as Elvis, Johnny Cash and others. Born in beautiful Vernon, Manitoba, his life as a boy was everything from a Rockwell painting. His folks would one day get a telegram asking that they come and perform in Toronto, the hub of the entertainment world in Canada. Little Ronnie, who was then about 10, welcomed the change. After all, he had heard so much about the big city and all its excitement. In the summer of 1960-something Ron met Jimi. They were 13 years old, living in the annex of Toronto. They hit it off right away, spending most of their time at St. Albans Boys Club, a community centre that became a big part of their teens. They talked about music and how much fun it would be to form a band. They began hanging out together and would sometimes borrow instruments to jam and make up songs. They became inseparable and would often skip school just to play. When Jimi 's parents bought him his first bass guitar it was the talk of the neighbourhood. It was a "Hofner Beatle Bass". Soon after, Ron would have his first electric guitar, a Gibson Jr. They would spend many hours playing and writing songs. It was evident, even at that time, that the talent these two boys had would result in something great. Jimi was asked to play with a band called "The Death". He told Ronnie about the offer who was quick to say "take it, it's a great opportunity", considering that these guys were older. One of Jimi's first professional gigs with The Death was opening for James Brown and The Famous Flames in Mimico, Ontario. Soon after, Jimi would introduce Ronnie to the band as lead guitarist. They played for a while in local clubs and high schools. One day Jimi approached Ron saying he was not into the music this band was making and wanted to start his own band. Would he like to be in it. They both were overjoyed with the idea of starting a totally original band. An so was born the LondonTones. The music had that British flavor that the boys were looking for. The names of the bands changed often, as they were always searching for the perfect marketing word. JUST US represented the young entrepeneurs that were ready to set the world on fire.....and you know what? They did. The band was performing at The 813 Club, primarily a Jamacian nightspot that served up some of the best curry lamb in the city. One night after a long performance a man approached the band and gave them his card. He commented " I like your sound and look, call me I think I can help you guys out." The boys couldn't wait to see if this character that saw them in such obscure environment was on the up and up. They connected with Jack Morrow and he quickly could see that these boys were extremely talented. He signed them to a 5 year contract and began shopping the band. Within a couple of months he had a recording deal and concerts set up. It would not be long before they would have their first hit record. More iUpdates on Ron coming soon. Read more about the band at AC history.  Drop Ronnie a line - ronnie@thechildrenrock.com

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