Ronnie “Byrd” Foster (1949-2011)
Ronnie relocated to Central Florida in 1991. I heard about him from several musicians. I wasn’t connected to that circle, which was predominately Blues and Southern Rock. I had a few collaborations with players from the King Snake Label and recording studio. Then I heard his history and remembered that I saw him play with Roy Buchanan (1939-1988) at The Beacham Theatre in downtown Orlando (1976) John McLaughlin opened. Playing drums in his group was Sonship.
I first heard the name Roy Buchanan from my friend John Rakestraw. John was from D.C. John’s father was a D.C. guitar player and owned a music store. I met him in 1968 traveling to a gig in Albany New York. He was an excellent musician. His main thing was Washington DC events & shows.
In the early 70s I met DC musician, Sonny Pekerol. Sonny played bass with Roy’s group. Sonny was also in a group called The Winstons. They had a Grammy winning tune called-Color Him Father.
It was great hearing and seeing Roy Buchanan (live in person) Ronnie “Byrd” Foster can he heard on several live and studio albums in the Roy Buchanan discography. There’s also a 1976 video “Live From Austin TX performance”