Ronnie Hammond
DOB Unknown – March 14, 2011

Ronnie Hammond was the lead singer for successful southern rock band, the Atlanta Rhythm Section.  The group itself was born out of a group of in-demand studio musicians from the Atlanta, Georgia area.  When the band was recording their first album in 1972, Hammond happened to show up at the studio as an assistant  engineer, and once the guys heard him sing, they asked him to join the band.  Hammond sang for ARS on their first six albums, during their peak years.  In 1978, they released Champagne Jam which included the popular single of the same name.   It would become their biggest hit and take them from playing clubs and into arenas and stadiums.  In August of that same year, the band was invited by President Jimmy Carter to play at the White House.  Hammond left the group in 1982 to pursue a solo career.  He reunited with them in 1988 and continued on for the next decade or so.   On March 14, 2011, Ronnie Hammond died of heart failure.  He was 60.

Thanks to David Plastik for the assist.

What You Should Own

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Champagne Jam - Atlanta Rhythm Section