Ronnie Montrose Autograph

Profession:
(1947-2012) American guitarist who founded and led the rock bands Montrose and Gamma.

Year of Birth: 1947

Ronald Douglas Montrose was born in San Francisco, California in 1947. He was the fourth of five children, and his family was of Irish, Scottish, and English descent. As a teen, he was largely self-taught in the guitar and quickly developed a passion for music. He was inspired by the sounds of blues and rock. By the age of 17, he had already formed his first band.

In the early 1970s, Montrose began recording and releasing his own solo albums, which quickly gained recognition in the music industry. He released four albums during this time, all of which were met with critical acclaim. He was praised for his unique sound, which blended hard rock, jazz, and blues into one amazing package. In 1974, he joined forces with Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar to form the band Montrose. This was the beginning of his commercial success.

Montrose’s most successful album was the 1976 release “Paper Money”. It spawned the hit single “Rock Candy”, which became a classic rock staple and remains a favorite to this day. The band followed up with their second album “Warner Brothers Presents”, which featured the popular track “Bad Motor Scooter”. Montrose was often credited with helping to define the sound of hard rock.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Montrose continued to release music and build his legacy. He released several albums, including “Mean” in 1987 and “Jump on it” in 1990. He also continued to tour and perform, which endeared him to fans all over the world. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, honoring his decades of influence on the music industry.

Montrose was never one to rest on his laurels. He was constantly looking for new ways to push the boundaries of his sound. He collaborated with a number of musicians over the years, including blues legend B.B. King. He also continued to be heavily involved in the production side of music and helped to shape the sound of modern rock.

Ronald Douglas Montrose passed away in 2012 at the age of 65. He left behind a legacy of creativity and innovation that will continue to inspire musicians for generations to come. He was a true pioneer in the world of rock and roll, and his influence can still be heard today.