Biography
Ralph Roddenbery, born in south Georgia, is a singer/songwriter who has been a fixture in the Athens and Atlanta music scenes for many years. He honed his songwriting and performance skills under the guidance of notable musicians while living in Athens, developing a style that blends Americana, roots rock, and blues. His charismatic presence, captivating lyrics, and remarkable stage energy have made him a beloved figure in the Southeast U.S., where he tours clubs, theaters, festivals, and private events.
The Ralph Roddenbery Band (RRB) features Ralph on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, alongside Ted Norton on lead guitar and vocals, Richie Jones on drums and vocals, Tommy Jones on bass, and Samantha Alessi-Jones on vocals. Known for four-part harmonies, energizing riffs, and a driving rhythm section, the band connects deeply with audiences. Roddenbery has released albums including Fix Myself (1995), Live at Tree Sound Studios (2003), Let It In - Live, and For So Long (2008), with additional projects like Side Affects' Between the Stones (2010).
Roddenbery's legacy endures through consistent performances at festivals such as Suwannee Springfest, Magnolia Festival, Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival, and shared stages with artists like Larry Keel and Pappy Malik. Even as he performs solo or with varying lineups like Ralph Roddenbery and the Jones, his impressionable songwriting continues to resonate in the roots rock community.
Fun Facts
- The Side Affects album Between the Stones (2010) was inspired by a sunrise pilgrimage to Rose Hill Cemetery in Macon, GA, to visit graves of Duane Allman, Berry Oakley, Elizabeth Reed, and her daughter Maud Napier, who died in childbirth—prompting the song 'Maud Only Knows'.
- Ralph wrote 'This Very Day' as a requiem for Jerry Garcia, featuring powerful guitar jams and lyrics about staying thankful and listening to the Earth's music.
- A song was born from Ralph crying in his Fruit Loops after hearing a man on TV who lost his house but vowed to start over without shedding a tear.
- He refers to himself as a 'Tumbleweed' in performances, sharing personal stories of falling down but being picked up by community support.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Bill Berry - tutelage in songwriting and performance (general development in Athens) [while living in Athens]
- John Keane - tutelage in songwriting and performance (general development in Athens) [while living in Athens]
- Randall Bramblett - tutelage in songwriting and performance (general development in Athens) [while living in Athens]
- Davis Causey - tutelage in songwriting and performance (general development in Athens) [while living in Athens]
- Dave Schools - tutelage in songwriting and performance (general development in Athens) [while living in Athens]
- Richie Jones - taught him how to rock and roll (band performances) [ongoing]
Key Collaborators
- Ted Norton - lead guitarist/vocals in Ralph Roddenbery Band (RRB albums and tours) [current]
- Richie Jones - drums/vocals in RRB and Ralph Roddenbery and the Jones (For So Long (2008), Between the Stones (2010)) [1990s-present]
- Tommy Jones - bass in RRB and Ralph Roddenbery and the Jones (For So Long (2008), Between the Stones (2010)) [2000s-present]
- Samantha Alessi-Jones - vocals in RRB (RRB performances and albums) [current]
- Scott Mecredy - songwriting collaborator in Side Affects (Between the Stones (2010))
- Michael Hurwitz - songwriting collaborator in Side Affects (Between the Stones (2010))
- Randy Jones - longtime bass player, co-writer ("Pushing On A Pull Door") [1990s]
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Ralph Roddenbery Band has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.