Ron Banks, The Dramatics Singer Dead At 58
By Travis Woods
Ron Banks, singer and founder of Detroit R&B/ soul act The Dramatics, died in his home yesterday. He was 58 years old. The falsetto crooner, who formed the Dramatics in 1962, is believed to have died from a “massive heart attack,” according to Motown Alumni Association president Billy Wilson.
The reportedly healthy Banks was with his family at the time of his passing, around noon yesterday, when he passed out without warning. He had just finished speaking with Dramatic co-singer L.J. Reynolds by phone. According to Reynolds, Banks was “just like himself—very upbeat.”
Banks is now the fourth Dramatic to pass way, as preceded by Elbert Wilkins in 1992, William Howard in 2000, and James Mack Brown in 2008. He is survived by his wife Sandy Banks and six children.
The Dramatics’s nearly fifty-year career spanned 17 studio albums and 35 singles, including the brassy #1 1972 R&B hit “In the Rain” and the endlessly rolling funk grooves of ‘Whatcha See is Whatcha Get.” The band weathered stormy breakups and subsequent reunions in its long lifetime, and continued to tour well into 2009, with the Dramatics’ final show with Banks taking place last November in Detroit. The band was even a guest on Snoop Dogg’s single “Doggy Dogg World” from 1993’s Doggy Style.
Banks is remembered fondly by Motown Alumni president Wilson.
“You know, people who have been in the business awhile can be cocky and arrogant. But he stayed beautiful, always. Even during the tense moments in the group’s career, he just remained cool and calm.”
Our condolences go out to the friends, family, and fans of Banks.
Do you have any fond Dramatics memories or favorite songs? How were you exposed to their music?
Source: Detroit Free Press
Friday, March 5, 2010 7:41PM
REST IN PEACE, RON BANKS FOUNDER OF THE DRAMATICS CONDOLENCES FROM MARK WOOD & FAMILY / FOUNDING MEMBER OF LAKESIDE & THE UNITED JAM SOCIETY
Friday, March 5, 2010 8:15PM
Ron Will be greatly missed – my sincere condolences and Prayers are with his family and friends, For me Ron's voice was like no other, The Dramatic's stood out like no other group because each singer's voice is/was so outstanding. Words won't come right now to express just how I feel. Bank's family be strong, stand in Our Lord's comfort, if you know Him He Will be your comforter, if you don't know Him, get to Him, you will Never regret it. Sincerely – Debra Cobb
Friday, March 5, 2010 8:23PM
I first heard the Dramatics on the TV, and someone asked me who I thought was better, The Dramatics or The Temptations. I thought before I answered and I still believe this today, The Dramatics were better. Oh The Temptations had their moves nobody could copy that, but the lyrics to the songs that the Dramatics did are more real, genuine from the heart. Listen to "Now You Got Me Lovin' You" . You can feel the emotion in their music. Mr Banks will b missed, but he leaves us his music for decades to hear!!! By the way, I have aallllllllllllllll of the dramatics music.
Friday, March 5, 2010 10:07PM
I met Ron and the group here in Kansaas city for a new years show, I was in charge of security at the Marriot hotel. They were very nice people, before the show we had prayer together, after the showq we dined together. I have been listening to the Dramaticis sinc 1971 all of their songs are masterpieces you will never hear a voice like Ron's again, you wi;ll never hear anothe groupe like the Dramitics again. Be smart get the music bewfore its gone, I am. My tthoughts and prayers go out to his family. Thank you Ron Thank you for your love
Friday, March 5, 2010 10:26PM
Ron Banks was one the best Tenor falsetto's around for many years RIP
Saturday, March 6, 2010 12:12AM
When I heard the news about Ron Banks, I immediately call my husband who had just heard it on the radio, and we were very shock…Your fans love you & the Dramtics, but God call you home to be with him instead. But there will never, ever, be another Ron Banks, the man, the crooner, (ole school), Our hearts & prayers go out to his family, Thank you for the many many hits that created the Dramatics, especially (In the rain) …rest in peace.
Saturday, March 6, 2010 2:08AM
I have always loved the Dramatics and will miss the beautiful falsetto of Ron Banks. I saw him perform with the Dramatics so many times and they were just wonderful. I'm so sad to hear of his passing and my condolences go out to his family and friends.
Saturday, March 6, 2010 1:23AM
I met Ronnie in chemestry class at Northern High School way back in the late 60's, he was my lab partner. He was always joking around, and upbeat. My Brother , lead guitar player Brian Lawson (R.I.P.) aka "Sparky" played for the group on the road. Ronnie always had class, and was a gentleman. He was humble, even though everyone who ever heard him sing thought he was the BEST tenor they ever heard. Even after they became famous, he was always cool. When ever he and my brother came around, I would fuss at them because they would bring my Son candy . My little boy grew up to be Awesome Dre, the Godfather of Detroit rap, going internatinal. Ronnie was so tickled to learn of this! My son has an internet radio show, and he paid tribute to Ronnie last night.
To his Wife, and Children, and his family, please accept my deepest , and most sincere condolences in this saddest of all times. We in Detroit have lost a great singer, and a friend, but Ronnie will never be forgotten, and his music will live on, and on. May God's comfort, and care be with you . Ronnie, we love you, and will miss you.
Sunday, March 7, 2010 12:01AM
We always miss our own who worked so hard to bring us up in this world…..You will definitely be missed..RIP….
One
Sunday, March 7, 2010 9:08AM
Sorry for the great lost. I saw the group in concert in st louis 2008 they was late coming out I guess that they was getting thing in order. When they came out everyone one was very humble . They put on a show I will never forget. They song every songs they had none stopper. It was a very good show God bless his family and keep on going. Cheryl A.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010 2:43AM
Ron “Banko” Banks lived up to his song Whatcha See is Whatcha Get and then more than some. I met Ron through my father John”Tootie”Browning they worked on tours together. Later on i had the honor to manage the Dramatics there was never a dull moment they were like a dream family and Ron showed me a lot of things i did not know about the business. My most memorable moment was hearing Ron sing Gospel songs he was truelly annointed so much so people would get goose bumps and start shouting. I asked him to record a gospel song he said he was working on it. Hate you all missed out hearing his voice change like an angle. He had Acting skills. He was Dramatic and Blessed to have a beautiful close family in this business who stuck with him until the end. Much Love we miss you already. Sherry Browning entertainindustryreunion1@yahoo.com
Friday, March 12, 2010 1:19PM
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Ron Banks. I love The Dramatics. My favorite song…Door To Your Heart. It is always in rotation on the CD Player in my home. God Bless his family and all who love him.
Friday, July 16, 2010 7:33AM
Ron and I were friend for many years. He always had a good attitude and was very down to earth. My prayers go out to his wife, children and The Dramatics.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011 5:34PM
Hi, My name is Audrey Griffin and I grew up down the street from Ron Banks and his family on a street called Taylor in Detroit on the West side. I knew his family and Mother and Father very well, the whole block use to go to his house and hear the group practice, in fact my family and I was invited to Ron's wedding when I was just a pre-teen,the group song, Give A Toast To The Foo, who let you gol. I will miss him but I have all of the Dramatics songs that I raised my children with….My condolences to his Wife, kids and Family, especially his two brothers. I will always be a place in my heart and I will always love and remember our Taylor Street Gang. Audrey
Thursday, May 10, 2012 10:57AM
Ron you will be missed ,great guy , my prayers go out to u&your family