Biography

Lewis Ronald McNeir was raised in Pontiac, Michigan, at a time when Motown and Golden World Records dominated the Detroit area soul scene. A gifted pianist with a aoth and versatile tenor, McNeir jumped onto the scene when he signed with De-to Records and recorded “Sitting in My Classroom,” which has since gained cult status true soul connoisseurs, commanding hundreds of dollars even today. After a few more years on the vibrant Detroit soul scene, McNeir set his sights on Los Angeles. His reputation as a multitalented musician preceded him, landing him a gig as Motown legend Kim Weston's musical director. He earned the respect of many Motown alumni, including Stevie Wonder's mentor and songwriter, Clarence Paul, and original Four Top Renaldo “Obie” Benson. Through his position, McNeir became known around town as an emerging young talent. RCA Records took notice and signed the young musician, where he began forging his own signature sound. McNeir's sound involved blending romantic tales of love and loss with lush synth instrumentation and subtle funky grooves. He released three albums, including the underrated Motown classic “Love Comin' Down,” in the 1970s, all of which are held in high regard by soul connoisseurs. He also took the time to collaborate with his contemporaries, including Smokey Robinson. The two singer-songwriters wrote together on the “Big Time” movie soundtrack with McNeir also playing keyboards and providing background vocals for Robinson.

Professional recognition came in 1981 when he was nominated for a Grammy in the Gospel Music category his collaboration with Memphis gospel prince Rance Allen. While McNeir didn’t take home the hardware, his reputation as a brilliant producer grew. In 1984, “The Ronnie McNeir Experience” album entered the Billboard charts and featured the hit single “Come Be With Me.” It was around this time Ronnie also produced one of the greatest steppers' grooves ever, Carrie Lucas' 1985 hit remake of “Hello Stranger.” The recording is one of the most brilliant examples of McNeir’s production skills as a producer. Lucas' easy and soothing vocals are perfectly buoyed by a smooth synth track. The brilliantly produced track features provided by the Whispers and a distinctive groove.

In 1997, Ronnie released “Down In the Neighborhood.” “Neighborhood” is a slick concept album with a jazz funk and R&B groove which explores gritty tales of life in the heart of urban America. The album tastefully blends the best elements of classic soul, smooth R&B and contemporary hip-hop sounds. In spite of his hectic touring schedule with the Tops, Ronnie continues to collaborate with other great talents and up and coming artists. In 2007 he released “Ronnie Mac & Company,” which features collaborations with Kirk Whalum, Kathy Lamar and fellow Four Top Theo Peoples. Currently, McNeir is developing artists for his Jupiter Island label while balancing his career with the Four Tops. Ronnie's longevity on the music scene and his impressive credentials have earned him great respect among his peers. He is cited as one of the underrated pioneers in synth instrumentation and one of the most versatile musicians in R&B.

Over the course of Ronnie’s 30-year career in music, he has amassed a musical resume that reads like a who's who of soul music. Throughout his career, Ronnie has worked with numerous musical legends, including Bobby Womack, David Ruffin, Smokey Robinson, Angela Winbush, the Whispers, Carrie Lucas, Rance Allen and Eddie Kendricks.

In 1999 Ronnie received the great honor of being called upon to leave his role as substitute keyboardist for the Motown legendary Four Tops, to become a singer with the famous group. Stepping in for the late great, Levi Stubbs, who was suffering from a health crisis at the time, Ronnie McNeir became a permanent member of the group after Stubbs retired the following year. Ronnie and his fellow band mates have performed to loyal audiences throughout the U.S, Europe and Asia. The current Tops lineup also includes Theo Peoples (formerly of the Temptations), Roquel Payton (son of original member Lawrence Payton) who stepped in after the recent passing of Renaldo “Obie” Benson, and original legendary Four Top, Abdul “Duke” Fakir.