MUSIC/BOXING LOSE A VOICE: RON BANKS DEAD!

March 11th, 2010 By Pedro Fernandez

LEAD SINGER OF DRAMATICS DIES FROM HEART ATTACK

Detroit, MI- Sad news out of Motown that the Dramatic’s co-lead singer, Ron Banks passed away at his home here a fortnight ago. Banks, who appeared on “Ring Talk Worldwide” many times over the years, was a boxing devotee along with fellow Dramatic lead L.J. Reynolds. Getting those two guys together to talk boxing was always an enjoyable experience. Banks, the falsetto of the group, had a good run in music that began in the early 1960s. The Dramatics last appearance in my native San Francisco was either late 2008 or early 2009, this when promoter Arturo Gastelum brought them to the Mission. Having once stayed up partying with Ron until the wee hours of a Motown morning, I can tell you that Ron was first class all the way. Brother Ron, your voice and presence on vinyl makes you immortal. RIP!