"I'll forever be grateful to him for believing in me, inspiring me to chase my dream'

ROCHESTER - On Sunday at least seven area bands will turn out to honor the memory and legacy of one of the Northern Seacoast's most legendary singers, Ron Jones, who passed away on March 5 at the age of 70.
Jones was a great singer, guitarist, harmonica player and songwriter, but his most memorable and endearing trait was his warm personality and kind spirit.
"I first heard Ron Jones playa house party when I was a teenager and was instantly a fan," said local music scene columnist CC. Bissette. "Such an amazing talent. He played the guitar, harmonica and sang all at the same time! I went to see him in local bars and venues over the years and always went away exhausted from dancing. I am saddened to hear of his unexpected passing."

Wendy Gagne Poor of Stiletto and Ron Jones share a moment during Waynopalooza 2024 prior to his going on stage (Courtesy photo)

Jones has influenced many area musicians, including Wendy Gagne Poor, the lead singer in the band Stilletto, which will be among the bands playing at the Club Victoire in Rochester.
"I have been trying to process that he's gone." Poor said. "It still doesn't seem real to me. His loss hurts a lot. I am deeply saddened by the loss of someone who made such an impact on me musically, and whom I admired and respected immensely.
"During Waynopalooza last year he was getting ready to hit the stage and was telling me how much he admired and respected me as a musician, which touched me so much that I started crying. I was surprised and honored that he, as a local music legend, thought of me that way.

"I then remembered that I had told him that very same thing 35 years ago, when I was just starting out and how I hoped that one day I could inspire others like he had. He remembered that day too and thanked me. He then told me that I am inspiring other musicians, including him, and he cried, too." Poor also remembered how Jones supported her early in her career.
"I will never forget how he invited me to perform with his band at Colby's several times, when no one else would give me a shot," she said. "I will forever be grateful to him for giving me that chance, and for believing in me, encouraging me, and inspiring me to chase my dream."
Mike Frampton, another prominent area musician and lead singer of Daisy Cutter 6. also expressed sadness over the loss of a musical giant.
"Rest in Peace my friend, inspiration and reason why I do what I do. " he said. "I'm completely heartbroken. Back when I was just starting out you were the man!
Frampton also recalled a special moment when he visited Jones in the hospital following a head-on crash on River Road in Lebanon, Maine, in August of 2015 that left him paralyzed.
"When you got in your accident and you were paralyzed I brought you that guitar when you were in the hospital and told you that you had to learn how to play it again because we all needed you back home," Frampton said. "You never let me forget that. You had more of an influence on me than you'll ever know. I don't think I just speak for myself saying that the local music world just lost one of the greatest ever."
Jones eventually regained much of his mobility following the Lebanon crash and continued to play around the area, including many local venues, including Trains Tavern in Lebanon, the Hawg's Pen in Farmington, the Milton Moose and the former Gary's Sports Bar in Rochester, where the juke box included what may have been his most popular hit back in the day, "Mystery Girl."
To hear it click here.
Sunday's tribute will include bands including the Double Edge Blues Band, Texas Pete, Moulton Blues Band, Hempcats and Hellraisers, Daisy Cutter 6, and Stiletto.
Cost of admission is a $10 donation. The show runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Must be 21 to attend.

Music columnist CC Bissette contributed to this article