Date of Birth: November 29, 1947
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Date of Death: March 3, 2012
Biography
Ronnie Montrose was an influential American rock guitarist, best known for his work with his own band, Montrose, and his collaborations with other prominent musicians. Born in San Francisco, California, Montrose began his musical career in the early 1970s, quickly establishing himself as a talented and innovative guitarist. He first gained recognition as a member of the Edgar Winter Group, where his powerful riffs and stage presence helped shape the sound of the band. However, it was his formation of the band Montrose in 1973 that truly cemented his legacy. The band’s debut album, *Montrose*, is considered a classic and featured future rock star Sammy Hagar on vocals. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Montrose continued to release music both with his band and as a solo artist. He also worked as a session musician, collaborating with artists such as Van Morrison, Herbie Hancock, and Gary Wright. Montrose’s guitar work was characterized by its raw power, melodic sense, and technical proficiency, making him a respected figure in the rock and guitar communities. Despite battling cancer and other personal challenges, Montrose remained active in music until his death in 2012. His influence can be heard in the work of countless guitarists who followed in his footsteps.
5 Interesting Facts about Ronnie Montrose
1. Ronnie Montrose played guitar on Van Morrison’s seminal album *Tupelo Honey*.
2. The debut album of Montrose is often hailed as America’s answer to Led Zeppelin.
3. He played with Edgar Winter Group, contributing to the hit instrumental “Frankenstein.”
4. Ronnie Montrose’s band Montrose was Sammy Hagar’s first major gig before he joined Van Halen.
5. Montrose was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007 and battled the disease for several years before his death.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ronnie Montrose
1. “The guitar is an extension of yourself. It can be a voice, a scream, or a whisper.”
2. “Music has always been a way to express the inexpressible for me.”
3. “The beauty of rock and roll is its simplicity and its raw power.”
4. “I always wanted to create music that was both powerful and melodic.”
5. “Being true to your own voice is the most important thing an artist can do.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Ronnie Montrose’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million.
Children
Ronnie Montrose did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Ronnie Montrose on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronnie_Montrose
2. [Ronnie Montrose’s official website](http://www.ronniemontrose.com/
4. [Ronnie Montrose’s discography on Discogs](https://www.discogs.com/artist/517925-Ronnie-Montrose
