Friends, Loved Ones, & Fans of Ronnie Johnson

Ronnie's friends have set up this online fundraiser to help him and his family in Ronnie's time of need. Two weeks ago, Ronnie was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Ronnie is currently undergoing a month of inpatient aggressive chemo treatment at the University of New Mexico Cancer Center in Albuquerque. Once Ronnie is more stable, he will receive a bone marrow transplant. After a full month of inpatient treatment, Ronnie will resume chemo treatments for shorter inpatient stays and outpatient treatment. Ronnie's condition is very serious, and treatment will go on for several months with the goal of remission.

Friends, fans, & loved ones, Ronnie needs our support. Ronnie has two daughters. Ronnie will be out of commission for some time. Please donate what you can. Any amount makes a difference. All of your generous contributions go directly to Ronnie, with no middle person.

If you have followed James McMurtry over time, you have seen Ronnie perform. If you went to see Ian McLagan, you have seen Ronnie perform. Ronnie has also performed with Ray Wylie Hubbard and Joe Ely. Ronnie played with Jono Manson featuring Warren Haynes on guitar, Joan Osborne and Eliza Gilkison on vocals. He was in the ballet orchestra recently for the ballet, “Sacred Journey’s,” choreographed and performed in Albuquerque at the Hispanic Cultural Center by NYC ballet lead dancer Jock Soto. The ballet features the music of multi Grammy winner Robert Mirabal, who Ronnie also plays with. And lately he has been working with John Popper of Blues Traveler. 

If you've seen live music in Austin, chances are you've seen Ronnie play.

From Daren Hess, James McMurtry's drummer and one of Ronnie's closest friends: "Ronnie IS South Austin. Ronnie is from Austin and has lived here most of his life. Ronnie plays bass like Ronnie Lane (who he also played with while Lane lived here). Ronnie played with Ian McLagan, 1/2 of the Small Faces. Ronnie has played bass with just about everyone in Austin from the late 70’s til recently when he relocated to New Mexico, where he continues to play and record."

Asking everyone to share this site as far and wide as possible so we can get Ronnie the help he needs during this very difficult time. Let's do what we do...take care of each other.

Ronnie has a long, challenging journey ahead of him. Let's give him a hand. Again, any contribution makes a big difference.

Thank you!