Ron Hackett

Guitarist Ron Hackett plays an easy listening blend of smooth jazz, light classical, and adult contemporary instrumental music using a combination of finger-style and flat picking on steel and nylon strings with an air of sophistication and refinement that would grace any occasion or event. Ron's chord melody solos are reminiscent of the late Chet Atkins, but Ron's style is a unique blend all his own. He does not strive to emulate other guitarists, but he does learn from them. Other influences include Joe Pass, Django Reinhardt, Pat Metheny, Lee Ritenour.

Ron’s musical career started on his eleventh birthday when my parents gave him his first guitar. It was a red Winston guitar that they had rented from Ray Davis at the Sound of Music store. About a year later, he traded the red Winston guitar in for a new Yamaha FG-150 that Ron still owns. Ron decided to minor in music when he started his undergraduate studies at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, Florida. Ray taught him well, and he was able to skip some of the introductory classes. After completing four of the six quarters required, the intensity of his engineering major forced him to drop his music minor. After graduating college, Ron joined the Air Force and has been stationed in San Antonio, Texas; Dayton, Ohio; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Tokyo, Japan. After retiring from the Air Force with over 20 years of service, Ron got a job with a defense contractor in Huntsville, Alabama. Ron continues to study music, and has taken several classes at the University of Alabama at Huntsville (UAH) Department of Music.

In addition to his solo guitar work, Ron uses backing tracks on an Ipod Classic and a Digitech JamMan digital looper to expand the tonality and range of his solo performances. Ron's subtle, unpretentious performances provide a soothing and relaxing ambience that add a touch of class and elegance to your event without detracting from your event. Ron music sets a mellow and tranquil mood, and he never "rocks the house." If you have a special song that is not in Ron’s repertoire, then he will gladly learn the piece for your event.

His primary guitar is a Gibson ES-137 “Blues Burst” archtop electric guitar and a Taylor NS-34ce nylon string guitar. He also uses a Taylor 314ce flat top guitar when needed, and an Ibanez AG75 Artcore archtop electric guitar for outdoor performances. His amplification system is a Bose L1 Model 1 solo performer system with a base unit that is good for smaller-to-larger spaces with audiences of up to 500 people. He also has battery powered equipment for outdoor performances where electrical power is not available. Although he rarely sings, Ron always carries a microphone and stand that can be used for announcements or a public address.

Ron's solo performances have a very small footprint making him a good fit for even the smallest venues. He is available for wedding receptions, private parties in your home or garden, community events, country clubs, fine dining restaurants, coffee shops, or any event where live instrumental background music is desired. Ron is also available for studio sessions, bands, ensembles, and combos. With attire for any occasion, his wardrobe includes a tuxedo for elegant affairs, pin-stripped business suit for corporate events, sport coats and ties for less formal events, casual clothing, and beach apparel.

Ron plays regularly with the Praise Team at the First Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Tennessee. In addition to the regular Sunday morning contemporary service, he has played for their Battle of the Bands, the “Country Christmas” Dinner Theater, and the string trio for special music. He has also played for corporate events at the Huntsville Botanical Gardens and the Space and Rocket Center, and for private parties at client’s homes.