Ronnie Barron
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Ronnie Barron (born Ronald Raymond Barrosse on October 9, 1943 in Algiers, New Orleans; died March 20, 1997) was a United States actor, keyboardist, organist, and white soul singer during the 1970s. He was known for his his work as session musician for several artists, as well as his collaborations with Dr. John (born Malcolm John Rebennack Jr.), a fellow New Orleans native.
Musicians who employed his talents include Paul Butterfield, Canned Heat, Ry Cooder, Eric Burdon (& The Animals), and Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, among others.
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[edit] Background
Barron met Rebennack in 1958, and performed with him at several venues around New Orleans. During that period, Barron created the Reverend Ether persona to satisfy audiences who were primarily interested in entertainers. Rebennack was so impressed with the gimmick, that he wanted Barron to become Dr. John[1]. Barron was hired by Sonny and Cher in 1965, and relocated to California from Louisiana to become a session musician, and in the process, Barron left behind the Reverend Ether character with Rebennack [1].
He died in 1997 from complications of heart problems.
[edit] Above The Law
In 1988 Ronnie appeared in the motion picture Above The Law with Steven Seagal. He played Sciffoo, a slimy bartender that kept popping up throughout the whole film for no apparent reason. He has since gained an enormous cult following for the role.