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Ralph MacDonald

Grammy-award winning percussionist, songwriter and producer Ralph MacDonald was born in Harlem, NY in 1944. As the son of Trinidad-immigrant and Calypso performer "Macbeth The Great," Ralph grew up amidst the rise of Calypsonian revolution in New York City. The young boy was often placed playfully on his father's drums for a moment or two and, when he got older, MacDonald dreamed of someday achieving the regional success of his father. At 17, Ralph helped a friend carry his steel drums into an audition for legendary performer Harry Belafonte. The friend got the gig, and MacDonald became a regular at rehearsals. When one of the players in Belafonte's Steel Band was late for a rehearsal, Ralph brashly declared his ability to play, and wound up getting the job. Thus began a 10 year stint with Belafonte that schooled MacDonald in the music business. It also introduced him to songwriter Bill Salter, and the two began writing together to fill time on the road. At one point, young MacDonald had the nerve to tell Harry Belafonte that despite all the gold records on the wall, Belafonte didn't really know what Calypso was. Belafonte said "Fine kid - if you know so much because your father was a Calypso singer, then you write me a song." MacDonald delivered an album of songs: 1966's critically-acclaimed 'Calypso Carnival.' At 27, MacDonald, Bill Salter and William Eaton started their own publishing company, Antisia Music. Everyone told him he was crazy, but Ralph was determined to do it on his own. The partners opened a modest office in New York City and kept the door locked. When asked why, MacDonald explained that it was a publishing company, and that songs were meant to go out the door, not in. He gave himself two years to get the company going. One year and eleven months later and wondering if Antisia Music would survive, Ralph happened to begin working with Roberta Flack. He and Salter had written a song called "Where Is The Love," and in a studio session, he pitched it to Roberta. She recorded it, and it went on to sell 10 million copies, earning Roberta and Donnie Hathaway Grammys and firmly establishing Antisia Music. From there the success kept on coming. Ralph began recording with legends like James Taylor, Billy Joel, Bette Midler, Diana Ross and Paul Simon. He and his partners wrote the Grover Washington Jr.

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Recording

New CD from Toph-E & the Pussycats, "No Ordinary Day" Feat. Cliff Carter, Will Lee, Ralph Macdonald, David Mann, Chris Parker

New CD from Toph-E & the Pussycats, "No Ordinary Day" Feat. Cliff Carter, Will Lee, Ralph Macdonald, David Mann, Chris Parker

Source: Michael Bloom Media Relations

No Ordinary Day Toph-E & the Pussycats M'Bubba Music 10052 October 26 Release Featuring: Clifford Carter-piano / keyboards Will Lee-bass & vocals Ralph MacDonald-percussion David Mann-tenor / soprano saxophones Chris Parker-drums Now in their 10th year, Toph-E and the Pussycats is a group of well-respected and professional musicians (Clifford Carter, Will Lee, Ralph MacDonald, David Mann, and Chris Parker) who share a great love for rhythm ...

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Tabitha Fair Will Lee, John Chapman, Ralph MacDonald at the Iridium Sunday, Nov.14 6.30-8.00p.m.

Tabitha Fair Will Lee, John Chapman, Ralph MacDonald   at the Iridium Sunday, Nov.14  6.30-8.00p.m.

Source: All About Jazz

IRIDIUM JAZZ CLUB 1650 BROADWAY (Corner of 51st) NEW YORK, NY 10023 RESERVATIONS: 212-582-2121 Sunday, Nov. 14, Classic Night Club Hour 6.30-8.00p.m. $20 Entrance $15 Drinks ($10 more for whole evening) TABITHA FAIR WILL LEE, JOHN CHAPMAN, RALPH MACDONALD & MORE Arthur Pomporello is set to give the Iridium audience a real gem bringing together Tabitha Fair, Will Lee, John Chapman, Ralph McDonald (and others!) for the “Classis ...

Tai Adelaja
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