Minto Country Music Wall of Fame

Ronnie was born in Minto, NB on May 31, 1950. At a very early age he showed interest in music….. Watching TV shows such as Maritime Farmer’s or the Bunkhouse Boy’s while playing his “pretend” guitar (the kitchen broom). He got his first real guitar at eight years old from the Eaton’s catalogue and his Uncle Ivan Mazerolle showed him how to play his first chord.

At age 11 Ronnie lost a finger while playing with an axe. Worried that he wouldn’t be able to play again he cut away part of the bandages and taught himself to play minus one finger.

At the age of 14 Emile Cormier, Eva Cormier and Eric (Sneak) Richard, needed a bass player….. Ronnie took on the job and never looked back. He has been a bass player since then but also plays other instruments. For the next few years he played with various bands including Strike Three Trio, The Silver Shadows, The Dave McNeill Band, and Bootleg. These bands played locally and were very popular at dance halls and other functions.

From 1985-1993, Ronnie was musical director for the New Brunswick Country Showcase at the Playhouse in Fredericton where many local musicians got their first exposure. Around this time he got the nickname “Ronnie Day” and is still often known by that name.

Soon another group was formed called “ One Way Ryder” consisting of Ronnie, Danny Richard on drums, John Clayden on piano and Ronnie’s son Raymond playing lead guitar.

Over the years, he has played with just about anyone involved in music locally, whether a weekend dance or a fundraiser, Ronnie is always ready to play. While playing in different bands he has opened for the likes of Gene Watson, Jason McCoy and John Conlee. Some of his musical influences include Ray Price and Fearon Young but anyone knowing Ronnie knows that his all time favorite artist is Merle Haggard.

Currently, Ronnie enjoys touring with JR Vautour along with good friend Danny Richard on drums.

One of his dreams of honouring local musicians came true with the creation of the Minto Country Music Wall of Fame. Ronnie was the driving force leading to its creation.

Ronnie’s son Raymond is a very well known lead guitar player in Canada, being nominated for guitar player of the year on two occasions by the Canadian Country Music Association. He is very proud of him and says that Raymond “plays like I always wanted to”.

Ronnie and Margo live in Fredericton where he has his own Barber Shop but has never forgotten his roots and will always be a “Minto Boy” at heart.