Joel Semper Brockman talking with Mr Ron Thatch

One such artist is Mr. Ron Thatch. A timeless and largely unsung Talent in his elder years, everybit of the Star he was in his youth. Ron, from Cleveland, Ohio was a child prodigy who went on to be the lead singer in the original incarnation of the Dazz Band. As destiny would have it the path to Ron’s MoJo recordings began with the lifelong collaborations of Semper and Jimmy Smith.

MoJo Records began in 1974 as a conduit for Jimmy Smiths solo and collaborative projects alongside recordings with BlueNote, Verve and other labels.

Releasing several 45s and LPs in the 70s MoJo laid dormant until their last recordings in 1987. George returned to San Diego his hometown for Family matters in 1983. Ever the music entrepreneur Semper connected with his old Friend Jimmy Smith and manager Wife Lola to reactivate the MoJo label. Joining as Vice President Semper A&Rd several up and coming local artists and recommendations. Nathaniel “Basey” Johnson founded and produced the band Pure Funk in 1976 with Ron on lead vocals. Basey recommended Thatch to George based on his unique R&B voice, writing ability and dynamic performances.

In 1987 along with a roster of MoJo artists assembled by Semper, production began on Ron’s 45 ‘Jealous Man/Who Can Define Love’ and solo LP. Thatch composed both songs, the music crafted by Ron’s guitar, top-musicians and production of Semper and Basey Johnson. The 45 reached chart status along with ‘Long Long Way from Perfect’ recorded for Ron’s solo LP that went unreleased, but appeared on Semper’s 1992 “Love Moods” compilation LP.

Ron, returned to Cleveland and toured performing with several R&B groups and the MoJo recordings would be his last records. In 2017 Super Disco Edits UK issued two  previously unreleased early Ron Thatch recordings co-written with Michael Calhoun with Dazz Band Predecesor Bell Telephunk – Ain’t No Tellin’ / Sister Moon and Love Vibrations / Love Company. Incredible tunes which would have likely been hits in their time had they been released.

I was fortunate to have interviewed Ron, and recorded his biography “straight from the horses mouth”. An unsung natural creative there is so much more to Ron Thatch and his story. Have a listen for yourself to the story of this timeless Talent!

Joel Semper Brockman