About Ron Nigrini Music
Ron Nigrini
Singer Songwriter
Rambling through his fifth decade on the music scene, Ron Nigrini still plays for the love of the music, and it shows. A singer, songwriter, guitarist, craftsman, poet and performer, he’s on a lifelong musical odyssey. He opened for The Mamas & The Papas in 1967, had a hit with I’m Easy in 1976 and had the most played Canadian single of the year with Baby I’m A Lot Like You in 1984 on his own Oasis Records. He has acted in movies and on TV and entertained in countless coffee houses, concert halls and music festivals across Canada, the United States and Europe. The sweet style of this “worker in song” is reminiscent of Jim Croce and Harry Chapin. His stage presence is captivating and everyone who hears him becomes a new fan instantly.
Milestones in a Life of Song
1965–66
Formed the folk duo The Coachmen with Ken Harris; lead guitarist Don Heard joined a year later.
1967
As part of folk-rock group Dan’s Heard, opened for The Mamas & The Papas before 10,000 fans at Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens. Played a 2-week gig at the Penny Farthing in Yorkville.
1969
Befriended Tim Hardin in New York — a major influence on his songwriting.
1970–72
Launched a two-year solo tour of the U.S., performing in coffeehouses and colleges during a time of political upheaval. Wrote protest songs like Montana Plain, American Sons, and Soldiers.
1972–73
Joined Entertainment Nightly, fronted by powerhouse vocalist Sara Ellen Dunlop, for a year-long gig at the Arlington Hotel in Collingwood.
1974
Discovered by Tom Williams of Attic Records while catching Jesse Winchester at the Colonial Tavern. Signed to Attic and released Ron Nigrini and Rich Things, featuring the hit I’m Easy. This led to gigs with Kenny Rogers, Roberta Flack, David Bromberg, Hagood Hardy, and performances at Massey Hall and Ontario Place. Appeared on The Tommy Hunter Show and Morningside with Peter Gzowski.
1979–80
Collaborated with bassist John Stockfish in Toronto, then recorded new material in Los Angeles with top studio musicians. Managed by Eddie Wernick, toured the West Coast with Cecilio and Kapono.
1981–83
Returned to Canada, gigging regularly and acting in films and TV.
1984–86
Founded Oasis Records and released Baby, I’m A Lot Like You — Canada’s most-played song that year. Followed up with The Drift.
1993–97
Toured France with Western Radio, performing in Paris at Le Scénario and Disney’s Rock ’n’ Roll America. Began a 25-year tradition playing the Harvest Dance in Commanda, Ontario.
1998
Released Above The Noise with Western Radio, produced by Garth Mosbaugh.
2002
Dropped Songs from Turtle Island, produced by folk legend Paul Mills. Held a packed release concert at Hugh’s Room with Rodney St. Amand, Mitch Lewis, and Anne Lindsay — kicking off 18 years of annual concerts.
2003–08
Relocated to northern Ontario and teamed up with blues guitarist Jake Thomas.
2009
Released Undisguised Hearts, recorded at Andy McClelland’s Silversmith Barns Studio in Commanda.
2013
With Jake Thomas’s help, recorded Directions Home with Andy McClelland. Spent time in San Antonio, Mexico performing benefit shows.
2019
Released The Quiet, marking his final tour across Ontario — concluding with shows at Hugh’s Room and a final solo concert in North Bay.
2020–Present
Ron officially retired (for now), living a peaceful life in northern Ontario with his wife of 48 years, Maryanna.
