By Matt Robinson
Contributing Writer
FRAMINGHAM – While bands like the Rolling Stones and The Who (or what is sadly left of them) continue to bang out their hits in apparently endless “farewell” tours (some of which have been sponsored by senior organizations!), it is rare to hear a story of a long-time musician who was taken off the scene for a significant time (and for a significant reason) and then returned with new things to say.
Ron Murphy is such a story.
Developing his voice
Growing up in the suburbs of Boston in the city of Newton, Murphy was fortunate to have a musically inclined family and, as with so many other legendary vocalists, the venue of the church in which to develop his own voice.
“I had friends and family that loved and cared about me,” he added, appreciatively.
Unfortunately, life outside the church was not always so pleasant and Murphy developed a drinking problem as a teenager.
“When I became grown enough to think I could handle things on my own. I found alcohol,” he explained. “That led me down a dark and dreary and sometimes funny path [that was] unsafe…and pretty scary!”
As a result, Murphy did not really reach his prime until much later in life. When he did, however, it was quite a series of accomplishments.
Having taught himself piano, Murphy eventually started his own record label (Life Records) and publishing company (Murphy & Murphy Publishing).
He cited such diverse influences as gospel greats like Mahalia Jackson and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, jazz and standard standouts like Johnny Mathis, Joe Williams, Ella Fitzgerald and George Gershwin. And also, soul stars like Lou Rawls and Aretha Franklin and Motown moguls like Smokey Robinson and the Four Tops and Temptations.
Traveling the world
Murphy became a member of the R&B vocal group The Montclairs and also sang as part of a revived rendition of the popular doo-wop group The Platters, with whom he performed in Las Vegas. He has also been the subject of command performances all over the world and has performed in Barcelona, Madrid and Paris.
“One day, I got a call from a lady in Russia who said she wanted me to play there,” Murphy said with a grin. “I said, ‘Sure!’”
Murphy is also a first-call actor who has appeared in popular hits like “The Heat” and “The Fighter” and who recently had his film “Soul Family: A Day in the Lives” featured in the Houston Film Festival and the New Bedford Film Festival, where his original song, “Cookie,” won the award for Best Original Song.
“It’s a love song about what people mean to each other,” Murphy explained, smiling.
Just as he was able to rub elbows with his musical heroes as a singer, Murphy also collaborated with legendary director Esther Terry and met Grammy-winning singer Natalie Cole while on stage.
Health challenges
Unfortunately, further challenges arose when Murphy, a Framingham resident, was diagnosed with a string of maladies, including multiple sclerosis, diabetes, glaucoma, and a series of mini-strokes.
“Through it all,” he realized, “my voice…is still there and God has blessed me to keep it.”
Eager to capitalize on this gift, Murphy has recently reentered the studio to reexamine old favorites and craft some new ones too.
“I recently signed with a company and now my music is on YouTube,” Murphy laughed, his booming baritone shaking the microphone. “I am still writing, teaching myself piano, acting, walking, talking, singing. All of it. I am not allowing myself to be ruled and controlled by physical issues or illness.”
In fact, Murphy mused, as his voice is such a gift, he feels it would be foolish (if not sacrilegious) to put it away.
“Returning to the studio is what I was supposed to do,” he reasoned. “It’s here in front of me and was never something I could leave or walk away from.”
Ever in touch with his truth and his emotions and not afraid to share them, Murphy waxes philosophical when asked about the longevity of his career.
“At 76 I’ve been writing and singing and performing for more than 60 years,” he observed. “I have to ask myself what it is about music that never leaves my life.”
Music as a stabilizing force
In response, Murphy cited music as “A staple [that] provides structure when things can go astray,” using words like “calming,” “resilient,” and “permanent” to describe his muse and his music.
“[Music is] a fighter,” he observed, “and no one is allowed to mess with it!”
And as he prepares to turn 77 in November, Murphy continues to see his music as a “gift” that apparently keeps on giving…at least for some. And he’s happy to still be able to share his talent with the world. His next gig is at the Fox & Hound tavern in Quincy on November 6.
“Music…[has] provided me a way through and to overcome some of the most difficult times in my life,” he said, crediting the music itself for allowing him to return to it after so many challenges. ”Music…was there through my adolescence, teen, young adult, adult…and now my senior years… and I want it every minute of every day!”
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