Biography:

Aside from those who have already reached their pinnacle, there isn’t a serious musician out there who doesn’t dream about leaving his or her mark on the music world. We’re not talking about one hit wonders or pop music sensations, but earnest musicians who would love to entertain the masses as a solo performer, a member of a band, or as a sought after session player. You know them, artists who ply their trade because their instrument and their talent are an extension of who they are.
Low country singer songwriter and guitarist Ronnie Johnson falls somewhere in between on that road to notoriety. For over three decades the Valdosta, Georgia native has been wowing audiences with his mix of original and cover songs, playing from Antarctica to South America and from South Carolina to merry old England. Ronnie’s resume is seasoned with gigs and jam sessions that would make other budding artists envious.
Ronnie has shared the stage with Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famer Chuck Berry, and opened for many big name entertainers including the ageless and legendary Tom Jones. Throughout his lifetime Ronnie has jammed with the who’s who of session musicians and counts fellow guitarist Jeff Cook, founding member of Alabama as a close friend.
A gifted songwriter, Ronnie did taste success on the Billboard Top 100. Back in 1986 his original composition 'For Old Times Sake' recorded by Jerry Naylor peaked at #75. Naylor a rockabilly and country singer, garnered success two decades earlier as the lead singer of the newly reformed Crickets, Buddy Holly's former back up band.
The son of an Air Force man, Ronnie was born in Germany before his family returned to southwest Georgia. At a young age, following in his father’s footsteps Ronnie gained a deep appreciation for country music and in particular musicians. “I can remember when I was four standing beside my father strumming the ukulele.” By the fourth grade Ronnie had moved on to the drums, finally settling on the guitar before his teenage years.
It was during his college days at Belmont University in the late 1970’s that Ronnie’s career path would begin to take shape. Known for its school of music, Belmont University is located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, aka Music City. As any hungry musician would do, Ronnie took advantage of his locale.
Young Ronnie found part time work days singing demos for $15 a pop, working the club scene at night plying his trade. Along the way he forged lifetime kinships and memories of sharing the recording studio with the likes of music legends Conway Twitty and Charlie Daniels. Many current gifted session musicians and award winning songwriters emerged on to the scene during Ronnie’s time in Nashville.
A chance encounter during this time in his life led Ronnie to find work in the resort communities. Soon he was playing on St. Simons Island. Similar work related interests brought the then 29 year old to Charleston in 1986. Not long after he arrived in the low country the versatile singer musician found himself performing on a regular basis at Wild Dunes. That partnership would last over 14 years.

During his time at Wild Dunes, Ronnie entertained for assorted celebrities and world class captains of business and industry. His association with such led him and some partners to open Ronnie’s first music driven eatery, ‘Budiroes Music Bar & Grill’ on the Isle of Palms. The laid back eatery featured food as an appetizer and music as the entree.
Word quickly spread and Budiroes became the place to be on weekends. The location and separation from Wild Dunes made it more accessible to the community and allowed Ronnie to take full control over his music. Locals on the islands, the resort, and east of the Cooper regularly flocked to Budiroes for good times, good food, and great entertainment.
As fate would provide in 2009 Ronnie turned his attention a little further inward, relocating and re-inventing his place into Buddy Roe’s Shrimp Shack at 1528 Ben Sawyer Boulevard. Even with an expanded menu reflecting the low country, the main course at Buddy Roe’s remains the great live entertainment, sometimes as much as five nights a week.
Ronnie and “super picker” Dale Baker highlight the week ‘dance & jam’ parties. The place is standing room only by 9pm on any given Friday and Saturday night. Music lovers feast on a variety of boogie and listening favorites, as Ronnie and Chris offer up everything from classic pop to southern rock, and vintage country to acoustic gems. From Country to Blues and everything in between. Dust off your boots, your sandals, or your penny loafers, come in khakis, shorts, or your favorite jeans, because the Shrimp Shack caters to those looking to kick back or hit the dance floor.
Ronnie’s resume is intact and his performances especially throughout greater Charleston are noteworthy. A masterful musician and a skilled entertainer Ronnie often times plays private gigs, from corporate functions to weddings, and has been known to lend his talents to many worthwhile festivals and events in the low country.
Singer, songwriter, musician, restaurateur, business & family man, Ronnie wears many hats, all of which he is proud of. But one title Ronnie admits best describes the man, that of all around entertainer. Ronnie Johnson was born to entertain and those who have witnessed for themselves will surely attest to that.
Jeff Walker
Sports & Entertainment Writer
Lowcountrytoday.com
843-530-4284