Requiescat in Pace, Ron Kimble

By: MB McCart

The One & Only, Ron Kimble

The one & only Ron Kimble broke his earthly chains & ascended to Glory today.

Many have paid their respects, and I've enjoyed & appreciated reading each & everyone.

Jeff Hullinger w/ 11Alive had this to say: 

           A local music legend died today.

Ron Kimble is gone and so too is a part of Atlanta. 

A musician, poet, story teller and friend. 

If you have lived in this metro area the last 45 years, you’ve heard Ron somewhere, someplace, sometime...

For those of you who maybe don't know the wonderful backstory of Ron, here's a little history from TPC from December of 2018:

A good number of you know who Ron is, and a fair number of you probably know his fascinating story, but for those of you who don't - here ya' go:

Ron Kimble has been a practicing musician for pushing 50 years. In Atlanta in the early 70s Ron started to blow folks away with his amazing voice & killer guitar chops. In fact, he was involved with a very successful touring act for a time until he realized that "living in a bus & being told what to do" was not for him.

Later, at the legendary Hemingway's up on North Druid Hills Rd, Ron would start a multi-year residency - playing usually at least 3 or 4 nights a week - that brought people in from near & far to witness this "golden voice" and the kick-ass Country & Rock 'n' Roll that he'd belt out every single time! 

At this time, getting an opening slot at Hemingway's is how up & coming folks would get a foothold in the ATL music scene. Several would open for Ron during this time including a fella named Jimmy Buffet & an obviously talented songwriter that tried his very best to sort of sing, Kris Kristofferson.

Later, Ron would move on to the also-legendary Texas Tea Room, a venue he helped to found, and that truly became the focal point for Country & Country Rock in Atlanta during the late 70s & early 80s. Folks like Leon Redbone & David Allen Coe would make it their local stop on their regional tours, as did a younger fella with a well known musical pedigree - Hank Williams Jr.

But the main entertainment for the Tea Room was The Ron Kimble Band, and just like he did at Hemingway's, Ron had folks coming from all over to check out those incredible sounds. In an Atlanta Journal article in January of 1980, Ron spoke about how fortunate & grateful he was to be making a good living by being able to play music.

More folks probably remember his later residency at the Country Rock Cafe in Lilburn, GA where he played four nights a week for many, many years. As always, he had a top-notch band including a superb bass player by the name of Larry McDonald, who still plays with Ron to this day.

At one time Ron tried to write down every song he either knew or played but gave up after the list hit 700 songs! While he's best known for belting out those classic Country tunes & Southern Rock, he also has an appreciation for the singer-songwriter stuff. Dylan's one of his all time faves, as is The Band & Neil Diamond.

The list of famous musicians, in addition to the ones I mentioned, who opened for Ron or played shows with him is a long one, as is members of his bands over the years that would go on to play for the likes of Greg Allman & others. There's definitely kind of this "six degrees of Ron Kimble" thing going on. Everybody knows him; everybody respects him. He is truly a Georgia Music Legend. 

Folks, we lost a giant, and we'll all be poorer for it...
- MBM

 

[Marshall's Music Minute] - Music Legend Ron Kimble at Rooster's in Mansfield Friday December 28th

Greetings, music lovers, and welcome back to The Minute!

The One & Only - Mr. Ron Kimble

Ron Kimble, TPC fave & Georgia Music Legend, will be playing down at that very cool spot in Mansfield, GA - Rooster's Drive Inn - tonight, Friday the 28th, starting up at 7PM, and will be joined by Larry McDonald & Mike Roberts. 

Ron & Larry wowing the crowd at Tubby Tom's

. 

A good number of you know who Ron is, and a fair number of you probably know his fascinating story, but for those of you who don't - here ya' go:

Ron Kimble has been a practicing musician for pushing 50 years. In Atlanta in the early 70s Ron started to blow folks away with his amazing voice & killer guitar chops. In fact, he was involved with a very successful touring act for a time until he realized that "living in a bus & being told what to do" was not for him.

Later, at the legendary Hemingway's up on North Druid Hills Rd, Ron would start a multi-year residency - playing usually at least 3 or 4 nights a week - that brought people in from near & far to witness this "golden voice" and the kick-ass Country & Rock 'n' Roll that he'd belt out every single time! 

At this time, getting an opening slot at Hemingway's is how up & coming folks would get a foothold in the ATL music scene. Several would open for Ron during this time including a fella named Jimmy Buffet & an obviously talented songwriter that tried his very best to sort of sing, Kris Kristofferson.

Later, Ron would move on to the also-legendary Texas Tea Room, a venue he helped to found, and that truly became the focal point for Country & Country Rock in Atlanta during the late 70s & early 80s. Folks like Leon Redbone & David Allen Coe would make it their local stop on their regional tours, as did a younger fella with a well known musical pedigree - Hank Williams Jr.

But the main entertainment for the Tea Room was The Ron Kimble Band, and just like he did at Hemingway's, Ron had folks coming from all over to check out those incredible sounds. In an Atlanta Journal article in January of 1980, Ron spoke about how fortunate & grateful he was to be making a good living by being able to play music.

More folks probably remember his later residency at the Country Rock Cafe in Lilburn, GA where he played four nights a week for many, many years. As always, he had a top-notch band including a superb bass player by the name of Larry McDonald, who still plays with Ron to this day.

At one time Ron tried to write down every song he either knew or played but gave up after the list hit 700 songs! While he's best known for belting out those classic Country tunes & Southern Rock, he also has an appreciation for the singer-songwriter stuff. Dylan's one of his all time faves, as is The Band & Neil Diamond.

The list of famous musicians, in addition to the ones I mentioned, who opened for Ron or played shows with him is a long one, as is members of his bands over the years that would go on to play for the likes of Greg Allman & others. There's definitely kind of this "six degrees of Ron Kimble" thing going on. Everybody knows him; everybody respects him. He is truly a Georgia Music Legend.

So again, down there in good ole "Carmel Junction" (Mansfield, GA), ease on down to Rooster's where you can get some food that's out of sight & some ice cold beers, and listen to one of the best singers you'll ever see. 

Rooster's! Try the Fried Chicken w/ a Cold Bud!

Thanks for reading, guys. 'Til next time.

Marshall wears many hats but being a musician and a music enthusiast are chief among them. 

[TPC] - Marshall's Music Minute: The Ron Kimble Trifecta; Cool Shows at The Pub

Marshall's Music Minute 

Greetings, music lovers, and welcome back to The Minute - your source for the who, what & where of the #COV music scene. 

It's a big weekend of music & I've got the chafing dishes loaded up & the sterno burning - so let's dig right in! 

Local music legend Ron Kimble playing three local shows...
The one & only Ron Kimble, Georgia music legend, is playing three local shows. 

Ron Kimble's schedule: 

Thursday 6/7 Goodfella's Sports Bar & Grill 7-10Friday 6/8 Tubby Tom's 7:30pm

Saturday 6/9 Lucy's Wings & Things- Newborn 7-10pm

H/T: Ms. Jami

The Pub has a big weekend lined up... 

Friday evening sees Daniel Toole & his talents: 

Daniel Toole, originally from Millen, Georgia, is an artist with aspirations of fulfilling his promise to his fans and followers. With inspirations from Guns N' Roses to Counting Crows to Marvin Gaye, Daniel finds sincerity in the poetry of many genres of music. Daniel focused on music at an early age, often using its power to escape the reality of certain times.

 And many are buzzing about Saturday's show, Fields. These guys are supposed to be legit. Real-deal Indie Rock: 

Indie roots rock in The Listening Room at Irish Bred Pub in Covington GA. Local band Fields playing original music from their album Everything Stays the Same, available on iTunes, Spotify, and other streaming services

Alright, guys. See you soon! 

A list of their influences: 

Skid Row, Journey, John Mayer, Martina McBride, STP, Beatles, Candlebox, ZZ Top, 3 Doors Down, Kiss, Stevie Wonder, Jason Aldean

Alright, alright, alright. Til next time, guys.  

[TPC] - The Music Minute: Weekend of 3/30/19 - Brought to You by Rest Easy Mattress

This edition of TPC's Music Minute is Sponsored by...

Rest Easy Mattress
2185 Pace St Covington, GA 30014
(next to BB&T, across from Hardee's)
770-786-8777

Ron Kimble Live @ Tubby Tom's  Friday, March 29th. 7PM

Ron Kimble

The one & only Georgia Music Legend returns to Tubby Tom's this Friday in what promises to be a great show. There's just nobody like him. Amazing singer, great guitar player! From a previous write-up: 

At one time Ron tried to write down every song he either knew or played but gave up after the list hit 700 songs! While he's best known for belting out those classic Country tunes & Southern Rock, he also has an appreciation for the singer-songwriter stuff. Dylan's one of his all time faves, as is The Band & Neil Diamond. 

The list of famous musicians, in addition to the ones I mentioned, who opened for Ron or played shows with him is a long one, as is members of his bands over the years that would go on to play for the likes of Greg Allman & others. There's definitely kind of this "six degrees of Ron Kimble" thing going on. Everybody knows him; everybody respects him. He is truly a Georgia Music Legend. 

Definitely check it out, friends. 

Hank Bird & the Borderline Band Live @ Five O'Clock. Friday, March 29th. 9PM

Hank Bird, Ladies & Gentlemen!

I know the crew at The 5 are always excited about this one:

This Friday help us welcome back Hank Bird & The Borderline Band playing all your new and used classic rock and country.
Table reservations @ 770-385-3060. See ya here....

Folks, this is "REAL-deal Country AND Classic Rock." You may want to call in to reserve a table for this one. 

And Don't Forget:

- Live Music on Friday nights @ Amici Covington 

- Live Music on Saturday nights as well @ the 5! 

- Don't forget about Good Fellas in Social Circle! 

Okay, gang, that'll do it for this round. Check back in for Melissa Parker's write-up on the City Pharmacy Social Sunday coming up on the 31st! 

Thx for reading, 

- MBM 

TPC's Top 15 of 2020

 Howdy, Readers. Hope all is well out there. 

Well, all in all & considering, it's been a good year for the ole publication, certainly an interesting one. 

Without any further ado, here are the Top 15 most read TPC pieces of the year 2020: 

15. Fred Wheeler -- A Nightmare Scenario 

14. MB McCart: Thoughts on the Covington Square Monument 

13. Ellis Millsaps: A Paean to White Boys

12. A Moment from MB: Just When I Thought I Was Out... 

11. Perrin Lovett: Shelter in Place or the Terrorists Virus Wins  

10. Kayla Leasure: TPC Food Review -- The Social Goat

Kayla La'sure

9. Jerry Jeff Walker is Dead & I Ain't Feelin' Too Good Myself... 

8. Ryan Ralston: The Broken Window 

7. A Moment from MB: The Chairman's No Good, Very Bad Week 

6. TPC REAL Politick: The Morning After 

5. Ryan Ralston: Two Queries



4. Kayla's Corner: Bradley's BBQ 

3. Bess Tuggle: Major Concerns About Cousins 

2. Ryan Ralston: With Almost Surgical Precision 

1. TPC News Break: 1st Reported Case of Covid in the Home County 



***

Honorable Mention (an extremely close #16) 

RIP, Ron Kimble

The One & Only -- Ron Kimble

- MBM 

Your Source for the REAL Story!

[Marshall's Music Minute] - Hannah Thomas in Social Circle; CJ&S @ Amici

Howdy, music enthusiasts, and welcome back to The Corner. A big weekend of music, so let's get right to it. 

Hannah Thomas Live at Good Fellas. Social Circle, GA. Friday January 4th. 8 PM 

"A Talent Supreme," Hannah Thomas, will be playing at Good Fellas down in lovely Social Circle, GA tonight. Hannah's 10-year+ music career has been an impressive one. Whether collaborating with Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls, opening for the likes of Melissa Etheridge or Pat Benetar, or the several top-notch albums she's released over the years - this lady is legit!

Her amazingly powerful voice coupled with her most impressive guitar chops always makes this a show worth seeing as Hannah melds & blends genres & influences to deliver as good a show as you'll see around these parts.

The folks at Good Fellas are excited: 

Come enjoy some live music with us Friday night 1/4/19 from 8pm to 11pm with Hannah Thomas don’t miss out!! Including our everyday special we have $5.99 jager and Vegas bombs

I'm not sure what a Vegas bomb is, but it sounds pretty good! 

Chris, Jon & Scott Live at Amici Covington. Friday January 4th. 7:30PM

The tremendous trio returns to their C-town musical home base. As I've written about numerous times in multiple publications, what makes CJ&S so superb is the musicality of all three members. Scott is just a beast on bass - the best you'll see in this part of Georgia; Jon's guitar chops are off the chart, and he can sing too; and last but obviously not least - the one & only Christon. His otherworldly vocals & percussion prowess is on point, and he's got major guitar skills as well! With their ability to jump from genre to genre, whether it be Classic Rock, 90s Grunge or Old School R & B, it makes for an enjoyable & impressive show. This is always a big one at that groovy pizza joint, so I'd recommend getting there early. 

P.S. Don't forget the ranch dressing! 

Odds & Ends 

- Ron Kimble at Rooster's Drive Inn. Saturday January 5th. Mansfield GA. 7PM. A Georgia Music Legend! 

Ron Kimble

- Mad Margritt at Five O'Clock Bar & Grill. Saturday January 5th. C-town. 9PM. 80s Rock! 

- Live Music Both Nights. Porterdale Bar & Grill. 
Enjoy the tunage, my friends. We'll see you next time! 

- MBM 

Jerry Jeff Walker is Dead & I Ain't Feelin' Too Good Myself

 I had to work up early this morning, this 24th Day of October of 2020. 

You see, it's my Daughter's Birthday Week, & we'd planned a get-together/grill out & I had some outstanding items to do on the ole Honey Do list.

I was up before 6am 

(Happy Wife, Happy Life) 

It was Jeff Hullinger's post - the first one on my news feed when I checked it this AM - that broke the news to me, and I'm glad it was. The post that'd told me one of the heroes of this country had gone home to Glory - that Jerry Jeff Walker had passed on. 

Jeff Hullinger is a dang American - and most certainly a Georgian - Treasure. Growing up w/ him on the news is definitely a factor for me saying that, but, again, I 'm glad it was him... 

For the record, Homeslice gave props to Ron Kimble a while back when Ron passed away. He was familiar w/ Hemmingway's back in the day.  

The fella's tied in, folks. 

He's All Georgia! 

And if not for his post, I would've never known about the Glanville/Atlanta Falcons tie-in. I knew about the UGA Basketball & the UGA Alumni Association connection back in the day, but never knew anything about that. 

Folks, it's as if JJW was some kind of Forrest Gump-type character (minus the mental retardation & all). 

*** 

My Dad introduced me to Ronald Crosby, AKA, Jerry Jeff Walker when I was twelve. 

We'd taken a family trip to the Louisiana Cajun Country - & eventually - the Arkansas Ozarks. 

Who plans a trip like that? Yeah, my Dad...he's something. 

When we'd been on the road for a few hours my Dad pulled out a cassette tape & pushed it into the tape player of the '86 Ford Bronco we were riding in. 

"Boys, check this out. This is the fella we've been telling you about that we've seen live a few times..." 

As I found out a few years later, they'd seen him in Athens, GA a few times, as well as Vail, CO, & apparently a few points in between. 

||||||

Jerry Jeff 

It's almost like a secret society, the folks that have this thing for Ronald Crosby (Jerry Jeff Walker). Or, maybe a club of sorts.

You into JJW?

Yeah, cool! 

Seeing the man live was always a true treat. Both times I saw him he was wearing shorts, cowboy boots & and cowboy hat. 

Truly the true consummate performer, some would even say a modern day minstrel of sorts, he was something else. 

But I think this is the rub: 

Without this Jewish boy from upstate New York who wound his way down to Key West, New Orleans & eventually Austin, TX, we'd likely not have had Willie Nelson as the Outlaw Country Troubadour he eventually became (vs  some forgotten Nashville songwriter burnout), & certainly not Jimmy Buffett, as he will usually tell anyone who asks. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band? Without Mr. Bojangles, they probably don't become what they became. 

It's as if all roads led to Jerry Jeff Walker... 

### 

To pick a favorite song of mine would be a fool's errand, though I can definitely give a Top 10 (in no particular order; and this list includes original compositions as well as those genius covers he had a knack for). 

1. Don't It Want To Make You Dance 
2. Gettin' By 
3. Up Against the Wall, Redneck Mother 
4. Old Five & Dimers Like Me 
5. Railroad Lady 
6. Mississippi, You're On My Mind 
7. Hill Country Rain 
8. Contrary to Ordinary 
9. It's a Good Night for Singing 
10. Pissin' in the Wind 

The beautiful thing is this - any other true Walker Enthusiast will give you that same list & it might have 3 or 4 of the same songs, the rest will be different. 

And so it goes... 

Rest in Peace & Ride High, Jerry Jeff Walker. You've earned your eternal rest. See you on the other side, my friend. 

- MB McCart 

A Monday Night Moment from MB: TPC Odds & Ends; Miscellany + What-not

The Piedmont Chronicles

Your Source for the REAL Story

COVERING THE GLORIOUS GEORGIA PIEDMONT

| Covington, GA | Newton Co. |

Greetings, Fearless Readers, and hope everyone's doin' dandy this fine fall evening.

So...what's new with you? I like what you've done with your hair...

But seriously, it's been a bit since we've conversed one-on-one, so, with some jazz coming through the radio - tuned to 91.9 - here at HQ, let's do just that.

Another week in the book that is Covington, GA, but what of City of Covington GA Official? 

Well friends, you know I'm always trying to sniff out the Real Story, and your ole pal MarshmanSlim is on the mutha! This thing has become quite the sensation & is poised to eclipse 1000 Facebook likes any minute now. For a point of comparison, the real City of Covington page has 6000 likes. As an aside, the actual handle for this page is: www.facebook.com/FastFoodCapitalUSA

Too funny!

I've reached out to...somebody, the person responsible for that page. A page that's obviously satirical in nature, it is, in my humble opinion, just absolutely hilarious! Good, good stuff.

And no, I'm not the one behind this page. A few folks have asked. There's been some theories bantered about, but as of yet - no identification as to who is behind this Facebook page.

Kemp Visits Covington

Brian Kemp stopped by the old Wal-Mart shopping center today (not to be confused with the old, old Wal-Mart) & held a campaign rally that was by all accounts well attended. Many Covingtonians had their picture taken with the gubernatorial candidate, including old friend-of-the-program. Fred H. 

Lil' Timmy, Kemp & Fred

Look for a TPC Real Politick piece later this week covering the GOV's race & others.

The State of TPC & The Road Ahead

Friends, the state of The Piedmont Chronicles is strong. Our best days are yet ahead of us. And with all of us working together, I have no doubt that we can achieve that More Perfect Union of TPC, one REAL Story at a time. 

|||||||

Later this week: 

- Look for the piece on Georgia music legend, Ron Kimble

- Another Past Piedmont Chronicles

- Pieces by Contributing Writers Perrin Lovett & Bess Tuggle

- TPC Real Politick

- And maybe, just maybe, that piece on City of Covington GA Official

As always, thanks for reading. Happy Trails...

- MB McCart