Father Ron

Biography

Father Ron Clingenpeel, known musically as Father Ron, is a retired Episcopal priest and lifelong musician originally from Nebraska. His musical journey began in the 1960s, performing in rock bands and later exploring a wide range of genres including funk, zydeco, Cajun, blues, and folk. Deeply influenced by the folk rock movement and artists such as The Byrds and Lovin’ Spoonful, Father Ron’s early experiences shaped his approach to both performance and composition, leading him to master guitar, harmonica, and ukulele.

After moving to New Orleans, Father Ron served as priest at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit near Tulane University, while also immersing himself in the city’s vibrant music scene. He became a prominent advocate for American folk music, both as a solo artist and with his band, Father Ron and Friends. The group, formed after a tribute to Pete Seeger in 2014, features Robert Eustis (guitar), David Schwartz (keyboards), Barbara Smith-Davis (vocals), and Max Valentino (bass), and is known for celebrating the American experience through folk and Americana. Father Ron’s compositions, such as those on the albums 'On My Way Home' and 'Forever the Seasons,' blend spiritual, Western, folk, and blues influences, earning multiple Global Music Awards.

In addition to performing, Father Ron is a folk DJ on New Orleans’ WWOZ radio and the house composer for Little Boxes of Good News, writing songs for children and families. His legacy is marked by his efforts to introduce new generations to the rich history of American folk music, organizing singalongs and porch concerts that foster community and connection.

Fun Facts

• Father Ron is also a well-known folk DJ on New Orleans’ legendary WWOZ radio station.
• He is the house composer for 'Little Boxes of Good News,' creating songs for children and families.
• Father Ron and Friends’ album 'Forever the Seasons' was produced at Marigny Studios and is part of the New Orleans Public Library’s Crescent City Sounds archive.
• He has won three Bronze Medals from the Global Music Awards for his compositions, including 'Don’t Let the Fire Die.'

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• The Byrds - Major stylistic influence during the folk rock movement (Inspired early folk and rock repertoire) [1960s]
• Lovin’ Spoonful - Influence on folk and rock style and songwriting (Inspired early folk compositions) [1960s]
• Pete Seeger - Inspirational figure for folk advocacy and repertoire (Tribute concert led to formation of Father Ron and Friends) [2014-present]
• Woody Guthrie - Inspirational figure for American folk tradition (Influenced thematic approach to folk music) [Career-long]

Key Collaborators

• Robert Eustis - Band member (guitarist) in Father Ron and Friends (On My Way Home, Forever the Seasons) [2014-present]
• Barbara Smith-Davis - Band member (vocals) in Father Ron and Friends (On My Way Home, Forever the Seasons) [2014-present]
• David Schwartz - Band member (keyboards) in Father Ron and Friends (On My Way Home, Forever the Seasons) [2014-present]
• Max Valentino - Band member (bass) in Father Ron and Friends (On My Way Home, Forever the Seasons) [2014-present]
• Andre Bohren - Producer and musician on studio albums (Forever the Seasons) [2022-2024]
• Jack Craft - Guest musician (cello) on album (Forever the Seasons) [2024]
• Gina Forsyth - Guest musician (fiddle) on album (Forever the Seasons) [2024]
• Debbie Davis - Chorus/vocalist on album; daughter of Smith-Davis (Forever the Seasons) [2024]
• Cole Williams - Chorus/vocalist on album (Forever the Seasons) [2024]

Artists Influenced

• New Orleans folk/Americana community - Inspired new generations through singalongs and community concerts (The Great American Folk Song Singalong, Porch Concert Series) [2014-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Let The Light In (feat. Father John Misty) (Did you know that there's a tunnel under Ocean Blvd)
2. Real Love Baby
3. Nancy From Now On (Fear Fun)
4. Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings (Fear Fun)
5. Chateau Lobby #4 (in C for Two Virgins) (I Love You, Honeybear)
6. I'm Writing a Novel (Fear Fun)
7. Well, You Can Do It Without Me (Fear Fun)
8. Buddy's Rendezvous
9. She Cleans Up (Mahashmashana)
10. Goodbye Mr. Blue (Chloë and the Next 20th Century)

External Links

• Spotify