Ronnie Mack is Back and Paying Homage to Musical Legends

Jonny Whiteside

Ronnie Mack is Back! Legendary Impresario Salutes the Legends of American Music with new Concert Series

When veteran showman Ronnie Mack retired from the music business in 2012, his departure left a small army of Angelenos in a state of utter disbelief. For the last 25 years, Mack had presented his legendary Barn Dance showcase, a roots-country affair that provided much needed exposure for up and coming artists and regularly drew such notable guest performers as Bruce Springsteen and Mick Fleetwood. But it was all over, leaving a void that distressed musicians and fans alike.

“The Barndance was struggling and losing money and I was so depressed about it that I just had to take some time off from music”’ Mack said. “but after a year and a half of just sitting around the house, getting up, going to work, coming home, going to bed–I realized that I was just existing, living like normal people do.”

Normalcy doesn’t suit Mack. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Mack began his professional music career when he arrived here in the mid-1970’s, performing country and rockabilly everywhere from world famous country shrine the Palomino to the Smithsonian Institute to the mean truck stop honky-tonks of Pico Rivera for years before the Barndance became a focal point.

“Being involved with music is what I’ve wanted since I was 5 years old.” Mack said. “And I have respect and admiration for all types of music, and I appreciate any music as long as it is played well. It doesn’t matter what it is—I love being mesmerized by great musicians.”

To that end, Mack is launching his new monthly concert series, “A Salute to the Legends of America’s Music,” with revue-format tributes planned for a disparate cross section of stylists, from Linda Ronstadt and Stevie Wonder to Glen Campbell and Michael Jackson. The inaugural edition, at Cody’s VivaCantina, goes down on Jan. 3, honoring 87 year old R&B originator Big Jay McNeely, with performances by blues legend Guitar Shorty, Billy Vera (known for his #1 hit “At This Moment” and 2013 Grammy Award winner), Grammy award winning guitarist, singer and record producer Pete Anderson, Candye Kane, King Cotton, Lil Mo & the Dynaflows and McNeely himself.

“This isn’t about getting young bands exposure, like the Barndance was.” Mack said. “These are concerts, not dances. I’m choosing people who can really do the best with each salute. Classy, cream-of-the-crop performers, and it’s going to be wonderful.”

Ronnie Mack’s A Salute to the Legends of America’s Music will be at Cody’s VivaCantina on Feb. 7. Tickets can be purchased here.