Ron Simmons Bio Former promoter of music events, Ron Simmons has been the man behind the scenes of some of the most celebrated names in the music industry for over 30 years. In the 80’s, he added an entertainment arm to his company, Lynx Productions and today, the name around him is sports and entertainment. Old School Years Ron is the oldest of 5 was born in Chicago and raised by his mother a single parent in many communities on the north side and finally Cabrini Green and became a community activist with the community based organization called the Intelli-Gents. He grew up with music and famous people around him like Major Lance, Curtis, Mayfield, Five Stairsteps, Chi-Lites, Admirations , and the Epsilons. His mother grew up with Mary Alice, Major Lance, and Chaka Khan’s mother; and his mother are still friends to this day. From humble beginnings and against all odds he has succeeded. He credits his success to his mother work ethics and his own ‘can do’ attitude and unshakeable determination to beat the odds. Starship Enterprise Simmons began his career in the late 70’s promoting club events. In 1976 he formed his company Starship Enterprise and went on to promote some amazing events. During the 1980’s Simmons and childhood partners ruled the upscale club and event scene. His promotions drew enormous crowds as well as some A-List recording artists and DJ’s. His unique promotional flair and charisma helped bring the glamour back to the black events. His promotions of artists like The Dells, Heaven & Earth, and Brighter Side of Darkness would fill the party room with people from everywhere. His promotion of one of the biggest event at the Playboy Towers, in Chicago drew over the capacity of people and set a record for a live entertainment show of people lined up outside Playboy Towers to get in the event. Leadership and Champion In the late 70’s and throughout the 80’s Simmons led the charge in this industry in trying to promote some of the biggest and best parties around town by blacks. He also guided the successful career of himself in the sports of bodybuilding and powerlifting. In an industry not well known by him, Simmons stands out as a powerhouse who has resources and will put them to work in his best interest first. The legendary Sergio Oliva: The Myth, Dragomir Cioroslan, Marta Collazo, and Allen Goldstein trained Simmons to a world winning champion. In 1990 Simmons worked diligently to prepare himself for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. He first would have to qualify at different levels. He travel to Oklahoma Championships in 1992 where he won 1st place, in London International Stoke Mandeville Games he won a Gold Medal in 1992, in 1993 Lift Chicago he won 1st place, in 1993 Courage Country Championships he won 1st place, in 1993-1994 Most Valuable Lifter, in Australia World Games he was ranked the 3rd Strongest Man in the World, in 1995 Canada Powerlifting Games he won 1st place and in 1996 the USA Olympic Powerlifting Team he would miss the trip to Atlanta, he had worked so hard for would come to an end because of a broken leg. He would now put his focus back into the one thing he loved the most the music. Lynx Productions managed, produced, and promoted many artists and shows. Some of the well known industry people and companies he would get the opportunity to rub shoulders with them through his contacts because he was a go getter a hustler in the good sense. He almost landed a record deal with the legendary producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and has worked with labels such as Motown Records, LaFace Records, A&M Records, Warner Brother Records, Smash Records, and SBK Records. He had the pleasure of working with such artists as Mavis Staples, The Dells, Art Porter Jr, Chaka Khan, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Barry White, Gavin Christopher, Steve Silk Hurley, Onaje Allan Gumbs, Kirk Yano, Magnum Force, Brighter Side of Darkness, RJ’s Latest Arrival, Ghalib Ghallab, One 2 One, Sneak Preview, Whitney Keaton, Julia Huff, Stan Stubbs, 3D Richard Davenport, Spike Rebel, William L. Johnson, Otis Clay, Sarah Green, Marshall Titus, Aaron Isaiah, Princess, Frank Collazo, Matizo, Lendell, Jeniqua and the list goes on. He also produced music videos with George Tillman Jr. and Bob Teitel their credits are; Soul Food, Men of Honor, Barbershop, Roll Bounce, Notorious to name a few. He has always said that you cant do it all alone you have to surround yourself with good people. He said there were two of many people that were always in his corner famous fashion photographer from Paris Ernest Collins and interior designer Calvin Ashford (deceased) from Chicago. Lynx Productions Entertainment Services In 2000 LPES extended entertainment arm into the booking and film agency booking many genres that includes A-List of Hip Hop, R&B, Jazz, Blues, Rock, Gospel and unsigned artists the website: celestialproductions.webs . He is presently working on a feature film project called CABRINI GREEN The Soul Story of Stories Dreams Simmons’ name and success will forever be affiliated with sports and entertainment but he is a savvy businessman whose biggest adrenaline rush comes from wheeling and dealing regardless of the idea. He is able to take innovative ideas and translate them into possible profitable ventures. He is a visionary with his finger on the pulse of blacks. He attended the Columbia College experience and received a bachelor’s degree in Communications & Business Management with an added minor in Accounting; but his street smarts and people skills have uniquely equipped him to deal with issues in the corporate boardroom and any room you put him in.
Posted on: Thu, 21 Nov 2013 02:22:34 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015