By Roger Liston
It is sad that we don't recognize greatness among us, when they are displaying their greatness. Only in retrospect do we too often recognize later, their achievements and give them honor they are due.
Ron, those who knew you, well remember you and remember warmly what you gave us. Thank you for your dedication to your dream of excellence and for showing us how to navigate that rocky path to excellence.
I personally believe that great music will continue to be played after this life. I look forward to that great day when we will get to see you, hear you play for us and check out the new licks you have since departing from us.
Our music hasn't been nearly as good since you left. We love and miss you. See you soon."
Your Friend,
Roger Liston
In 1965, Roger left the music world to become an electrical engineer, which he later did not enjoy; but the bachelors degree got him several lucrative selling jobs in high tech. Before leaving music, he had become a highly skilled exponent of a new style of drumming -- funk and soul. He had even studied with one of the first and greatest soul drummers, Melvin Parker who was the featured drummer on James Brown monumental "Live at the Apollo, 1963" album.
(Melvin is brother to the great jazz saxophonist Maceo Parker).
Roger, who may have been the first white person to learn soul drums, co-authored with the legendary great Chuck Dowd--the first book on funk drumming "A Funky Primer for the Rock Drummer." This book was the very first to define soul and funk drumming. It went on to establish a completely new style of drumming; one that is played everywhere in the world today. For thirty-five years, Funky Primer was the best selling drum book in the world and is still available today--even in Utah where Roger Lives today!!
of The Wild Ones
Kansas City
Can I Get A Witness
Justine
That'll Be The Day
