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| Mark Ronson |
Some may find it hard to believe someone might ask the
question above. Trust me, there are quite a few of my readers who will quietly
utter those exact words. I must tell you that I hear the question about the identity
of a featured artist frequently, even when an extremely popular artist is
featured. I understand that I choose to highlight new and/or young artists a
great deal, and they have not produced the volume of material or had the
opportunity to create the hit song or album. However, I am intrigued by the
lack of recognition of someone like Mark Ronson. Why? Because he currently has
the biggest hit song of the past year – “Uptown Funk”. Of course many can
easily identify the song upon hearing a few measures of music, but most might
say, that’s Bruno Mars’ song! Yes, the song features Bruno Mars, however it can
be found on Mark Ronson’s current album Uptown Special.
One of the reasons I decided to start publishing Weekly
Music Commentary was to introduce music and musicians to an audience that most
likely would not have knowledge of the featured artist. I endeavor to help
everyone, whether they are familiar with the featured musician or not, to
examine reasons why their music is popular, and how they write and produce songs.
Therefore, I will now introduce you to one of the most talented musicians in
the industry, even if you have knowledge of him and his music, Mr. Mark Ronson.
Mark Daniel Ronson was born September 4, 1975 at the
Wellington Hospital, St John's Wood in London England, the son of Anne (Dexter)
and Laurence Ronson, a real-estate mogul and music manager. After his parents
divorced, his mother married Foreigner guitarist Mick Jones. Ronson has twin
sisters who are two years younger than he is, Charlotte Ronson, a fashion designer,
and Samantha Ronson, a singer and DJ. Ronson also has five younger
half-siblings. At the age of eight Ronson, along with his mother, step-father
and twin sisters, moved to New York City.
He attended high school at the private Collegiate School in Manhattan
before attending Vassar College and then New York University. While attending
New York University, Ronson became a regular at downtown hip hop spots and made
his name as a DJ on the New York club scene. Influenced by funk, the hip hop
scene of New York and the more rock influence of the UK he attracted a wider
audience. He was soon a popular and sought after DJ in New York City,
frequently booked for high profile events and private parties.
In 2001, the big career shift came for Ronson when Nikka
Costa's manager heard one of his sets and introduced the musicians. Ronson
produced Costa's song "Everybody Got Their Something", and Ronson
soon signed a record contract with Elektra Records.
I feel that one reason that some may not know Mark Ronson
outside the music industry is like many before him, his start was on the other
side of the microphone, behind the control board. Today, record producers are
gaining notoriety, partially because they are increasingly stepping in front of
the microphone; like Pharrell Williams and Ne-Yo. Also, music fans are paying
attention to producers because they realize those behind the scenes can be
difference-makers for hit songs.
In 2003, Mark Ronson released his debut album Here Comes the
Fuzz that received good reviews, but poor initial sales numbers. Two weeks
after releasing Here Comes the Fuzz, Elektra Records dropped him. Ronson went
on to produce some of the most notable records in modern times.
Two very well-known artists and records that Ronson produced after his
debut album were Amy Winehouse Back to Black, and Adele 19. There is a very
long list of other noteworthy records and artists that Ronson produced
throughout his career. In December 2007 Ronson received his first Grammy Award
nomination, for 'Producer of the Year, Non Classical'. Ronson's work with Amy
Winehouse also received substantial accolades, gaining 6 nominations.
Winehouse's "Back to Black" album, mostly produced by Ronson, was
nominated for 'Album of the Year' and 'Best Pop Vocal Album'. Her song
"Rehab" received nods for 'Best Female Pop Vocal Performance', 'Song
of the Year' and 'Record of the Year'. Ronson would go on to win three Grammys:
'Producer of the Year' as well as 'Best Pop Vocal Album' and 'Record of the
Year' (the latter two of which he shared with Amy Winehouse) in early February
2008.
Mark Ronson was not limited to production work for other
artists. He was able to release his second album Version, which was well
received by critics particularly in the UK and US. In May 2007 it was awarded
the title Album of the Month by the British dance music magazine, Mixmag. His
third album, Record Collection was released on September 27, 2010. This is the
first Ronson albums on which he features as a singer.
Hopefully, if this is your first introduction to Mark
Ronson, you will further explore his music and listen to Uptown Special. I
think after this fine record rotates on radio stations worldwide, very few
people will ask the question, “Who is Mark Ronson?”
* photo by Alexei Hay
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