Ron Sexsmith is a three time, Juno award winning
singer songwriter from St Catharines Ontario. Born in
1964, Ron was drawn to music from an early age by the
melodic songs of the era, which he heard on the radio
and by his Mom’s record collection.
His earliest musical heroes were Buddy Holly and Elton
John.
He always loved to sing, but didn’t start playing guitar
until age 14 when he formed his first band “Paper
Moon” (named after the film of the same name).
Although he tried to write songs throughout his
teens, it wasn’t until he was 21 and living in Quebec
with his partner and first child, that he truly became a
songwriter.
Ron eventually moved his young family to Toronto in
1987 to further pursue a career in music. He worked
as a courier by day, while performing in the clubs by
night. He formed the band ‘Ron Sexsmith and The
Uncool’ and started gaining attention from music label
executives, though all passed on signing him.
In 1991 he released his first full length album on
cassette called “Grand Opera Lane” produced by Bob
Wiseman. The album was rejected by the Canadian
music industry, although it found its way to Los
Angeles where Ron ultimately signed his first music
publishing deal with Interscope Records followed by a
recording contract.
With producer Mitchell Froom, Sexsmith released his
self-titled label debut album in 1995. The melancholic
tone and sparse acoustic arrangements of the album
were met with disapproval from Interscope. However
an enthusiastic endorsement from Elvis Costello drew
media attention and the album was declared a critical
success. In his Sept 7, 1995 review for Rolling Stone,
Bud Scoppa wrote: “He just may be the most fluent
balladeer to come along since Tim Hardin or Harry
Nilsson.”
Sexsmith’s songwriting style evolved into a unique and
timeless blend of classic pop, contemporary folk, and
roots-rock idioms. He has built a steadfast reputation
with critics and with some of his own songwriting
hero’s (Elton John, Ray Davies, John Prine, Gordon
Lightfoot, Leonard Cohen and Paul McCartney) for
his characteristically honest, sensitive, and enduring
approach to the songwriting craft.
Ron has released albums on a consistent basis since
1995 and has recorded with noted producers Mitchell
Froom, Daniel Lanois, Steve Earle, Jim Scott, Don Kerr,
Brad Jones, Bob Rock, and Martin Terefe.
His extensive song and album catalog has garnered
Sexsmith a substantive cult following and an
international touring career. His early years of touring
included opening for established artists such as, John
Hiatt, Elvis Costello, Sarah McLaughlin, Tori Amos,
Squeeze, Aimee Mann, Coldplay, Nick Lowe, John Prine,
Lucinda Williams and many others.
His songs as well, have been covered by the likes of
Rod Stewart, Nick Lowe, Emmy Lou Harris, Feist, and
Michael Buble to name a few.
In the past few decades as a headlining artist, Ron has
performed at some of the most prestigious venues in
the world, such as Massey Hall, Royal Albert Hall, and
Carnegie Hall.
Ron completed work on a brand new album which is
scheduled to be released in early 2023 and is in keeping
with his reputation for catchy but graceful melodies,
drawing on love, and the trials of everyday life.
He currently lives in Stratford, Ontario and continues to
be inspired to write, record and perform live worldwide.
