Ronnie McNeir
Ronnie McNeir is an acclaimed American soul singer, songwriter, keyboardist, and producer best known for his solo Motown-era work and long tenure with The Four Tops.
Born on December 14, 1949 (or 1951 per some sources), in Camden, Alabama, McNeir grew up in Pontiac, Michigan, immersing himself in Motown and jazz records. He taught himself piano and debuted with the 1967 single "Sitting in My Class" on De-To Records after winning a talent contest at age 17. A car accident in 1968 ended his basketball scholarship plans and shifted his focus fully to music.
McNeir moved to Los Angeles in 1971, recording his self-titled RCA debut album using Kim Weston's studio, where he pioneered synthesizer use in soul. He returned to Michigan, releasing hits like "I'm Your Lover" and "Sagittarius Affair" on Prodigal (1976) and Motown's Love's Comin' Down (1976), plus Starchild contributions. Later solo albums include The Ronnie McNeir Experience (Capitol, 1984) with "Come Be with Me," Love Suspect (1987), Life & Love (1989), and Down in the Neighborhood (1997).
Collaborations and Productions: He co-arranged Big Time (1977) with Smokey Robinson, produced "I Couldn't Believe It" for David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks (1985, Billboard R&B hit), and earned a 1981 Grammy nomination for gospel work with Rance Allen. McNeir dueted with Teena Marie on "We've Got To Stop (Meeting Like This)" from her 1984 Starchild album.
Four Tops Tenure: Joining as keyboardist in the early 1990s, McNeir became musical director and vocalist, stepping in for Levi Stubbs in 1999; he remains a core member, touring actively. Recent solo releases include Ronnie Mac and Company (2007) and Living My Life (2011).
Ronnie McNeir
A2 Since I Don't Have Your Love (R. McClaine, R. McNeir 3:08)
A3 Now She's Gone (K. Weston, R. McNeir 3:51)
A4 I'm Your Lover (C. Coit, R. McNeir, W. Moore 3:27)
A5 Baby Come Back Home (H. Morrison, R. McNeir 4:29)
B1 Sagittarian Affair (R. McNeir 2:49)
B2 You Are Everything (H. Morrison, R. McNeir 3:15)
B3 Spirit Of Love (Vocals – Kim Weston) (A. Moore, R. McNeir 4:00)
B4 Nothing But A Heartache (N.J. Morrison, R. McNeir 2:57)
B5 Wendy Is Gone (M. Cummings, R. McNeir 2:45)
B6 Give Me A Sign (H. Morrison, R. McNeir 3:24)
Label: Prodigal – PLP-10007
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1975
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Ronnie McNeir's 1975 self-titled album, released on the Prodigal label, is a well-regarded record in the soul music scene, praised for its soulful vocals, emotional depth, and polished production. While it had limited initial commercial success, it has since become a sought-after item for soul enthusiasts and is critically acclaimed as one of his best solo works.
Reviews of the album highlight its mature and sophisticated blend of R&B, soul, and funk, with critics drawing comparisons to contemporaries like Leroy Hutson and Donny Hathaway.
McNeir's smooth, expressive, and unique voice is a central point of praise, particularly effective on the album's ballads and romantic songs. He is noted for his talent as a songwriter and arranger, having a hand in many of the tracks. The songs feature heartfelt lyrics addressing themes of love, loss, and social consciousness, a quality that critics appreciate.
The album is characterized by lush arrangements, incorporating rich brass sections, smooth strings, and intricate rhythms. The track "Nothing But A Heartache" is a standout example of the joyful, Philly-soul sound produced in Detroit. The production is described as polished and warm, capturing the essence of 1970s R&B music.
The album includes the much sought-after track "I'm Your Lover", which became a favorite on the Northern Soul scene in the UK, a testament to the album's lasting appeal. Other notable tracks mentioned in reviews include "Wendy Is Gone" and "A Sagittarian Affair".
Despite never making McNeir a household name at the time of its release, the 1975 album helped cement his reputation as a talented and versatile artist. The album's quality and the artist's enduring career (which later included becoming a member of the Four Tops) have led to renewed interest and reissues for new generations of soul fans. The album is highly rated among fans, with an average rating of 4.61/5 on platforms like Discogs.