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Ron Bartley has been around music since before he
was born. His parents were the hit-making duo known as the Singing
Sweethearts who performed across the country. At a very young
age Ron would pick up his dad's Gibson Hummingbird guitar and
mimic entertainers such as Elvis, Johnny Cash and others. Born
in beautiful Vernon, Manitoba, his life as a boy was everything
from a Rockwell painting. His folks would one day get a telegram
asking that they come and perform in Toronto, the hub of the
entertainment world in Canada. Little Ronnie, who was then about
10, welcomed the change. After all, he had heard so much about
the big city and all its excitement. In the summer of 1960-something
Ron met Jimi. They were 13 years old, living in the annex of
Toronto. They hit it off right away, spending most of their time
at St. Albans Boys Club, a community centre that became a big
part of their teens. They talked about music and how much fun
it would be to form a band. They began hanging out together and
would sometimes borrow instruments to jam and make up songs.
They became inseparable and would often skip school just to play.
When Jimi 's parents bought him his first bass guitar it was
the talk of the neighbourhood. It was a "Hofner Beatle Bass".
Soon after, Ron would have his first electric guitar, a Gibson
Jr. They would spend many hours playing and writing songs. It
was evident, even at that time, that the talent these two boys
had would result in something great. Jimi was asked to play with
a band called "The Death". He told Ronnie about the
offer who was quick to say "take it, it's a great opportunity",
considering that these guys were older. One of Jimi's first professional
gigs with The Death was opening for James Brown and The Famous
Flames in Mimico, Ontario. Soon after, Jimi would introduce Ronnie
to the band as lead guitarist. They played for a while in local
clubs and high schools. One day Jimi approached Ron saying he
was not into the music this band was making and wanted to start
his own band. Would he like to be in it. They both were overjoyed
with the idea of starting a totally original band. An so was
born the LondonTones. The music had that British flavor that
the boys were looking for. The names of the bands changed often,
as they were always searching for the perfect marketing  word. JUST US represented the
young entrepeneurs that were ready to set the world on fire.....and
you know what? They did. The band was performing at The 813 Club,
primarily a Jamacian nightspot that served up some of the best
curry lamb in the city. One night after a long performance a
man approached the band and gave them his card. He commented
" I like your sound and look, call me I think I can help
you guys out." The boys couldn't wait to see if this character
that saw them in such obscure environment was on the up and up.
They connected with Jack Morrow and he quickly could see that
these boys were extremely talented. He signed them to a 5 year
contract and began shopping the band. Within a couple of months
he had a recording deal and concerts set up. It would not be
long before they would have their first hit record. More iUpdates
on Ron coming soon. Read more about the band at AC history. |
 I
don't imagine that Ron will remember me but I knew him before
he and his then girlfriend lived in the annex. I have been checking
the web for along time to see if there was any updated info about
the band. I am pleased to hear that you are still making music
and would love the opportunity to see you play again. It would
be great to hear from you and to catch after all these years.
Donna (read
more feedback from fans around the globe) |
 Live at Hollywood On
The Queensway in Toronto, Ontario Canada. The
band kicked off their Canadian dates at this famous rock landmark.
AC performed all their hits including material from their latest
cd 30. The new cd is filled with cuts that have never been released,
a couple of live songs and some radio interviews. This disc also
includes a 16 page booklet with lots of neat pictures and stories.
After the show the group met with dedicated fans that waited
with CD's, albums, books and pictures hoping to get autographs
and chat. Over the years Abraham's Children went through some
musical changes as well as members, but the essence of the music
still remains. The meet and greet saw fans of all ages. The band
plans on taking a couple of days off and then continue on the
road. Manager Marisa Lang explained that many dates are being
added and the possibilities of Europe are looking good. |
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Dear Abraham's Children,
I should have done this a long,long
time ago.I've known for awhile now of Brian's passing,and I was
deeply saddened when I heard this.Words cannot describe how I
have felt for the song "Gypsy" after all these years.I
always listen to it.From the very first time I heard it on the
radio in the early seventies,I still have this connection to
it today.Yes,I had the album,"Time".I loved it."Gypsy"
has a nice rich texture and Brian's vocals are beautiful.I like
everything by Abraham's Children,but "Gypsy" ,for me,was
powerful."Goddess Of Nature" and "How To Be A
Lady" are other songs I still listen to.When I'm working
in my studio I always play quite a variety of easy listening
music and these three songs are sure to be played.I was shocked
when I heard Brian passed away.I never did know whatever happened
to Abraham's Children and where the guys were or what they were
doing.Sometimes I like to leave things alone and just enjoy the
music and memories.You can never re-create a memory,only enjoy
it and remember the way it was,and leave it alone.Thank you for
the music and memories Abraham's Children.God bless you.
Respond if you receive this.
Warmest regards, Brian LaSaga |
 REALLY KEWL DESIGNS AND
AFFORDABLE. CHECK
OUT THE RAW COLLECTION. |
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 New video now up. AC live @ the
Toronto Centre for the Arts. Wishing On A Star |
 Book Abraham's Children online. Now you
can conveniently book your favorite band. Check out dir-act and
see the great acts they offer. Book AC for your corporate function,festival,
concerts, clubs. |
 Hey
gang keep in touch with AC. Join the group and let us know what
you've got happening. Later |
 Killing
Road (Continued from jimi
page) We
ate up the attention as if we were already famous, loving the
fact that someone asked us to autograph their ticket stub. To
think I could be possessed by such a musical carousel, the surreal
spin was frightening. Life as it was, was no longer. I know this
has touches of poetic streams, but the fact remains that I could
think about nothing else, aside from music. High School was put
on the back burner and my struggles to convince my parents to
rescue me from the institutional demands for my time were finally
realized when they signed me out of the ninth grade.
I would soon be in a band that played totally original music,
and gained exposure as the house band at the El Patio, an underground
club that attracted an eccentric crowd. Our popularity was on
the rise and our live appearances were becoming more frequent
and further away from home. We were often booked in smokey, beer-drinking
rooms and no one stopped to ask how old I was, they just knew
I was in the band. One of these dark, musty, imitation-leather
filled spaces would be my nucleus de la vita.
Club 813 was a predominantly Jamaican hangout, and the smell
of curried lamb filled the air as much as the ganja and the tunes
that four white boys were jamming on stage. During one of our
rock-steady nights, this elderly man with a voluptuous woman
wearing an extravagantly large, maroon, velvet hat was silently
watching us play. He approached us after our first set and proceeded
to hand me a business card. "Call me tomorrow, I've got
big plans for you guys," he said nonchalantly, before leaving
the club.(read more) |
 The idea of sharing many years with someone in
a very intimate musical relationship is triompho.
It was a brotherhood. The bond was more than we could have ever
expected. Then, to lose one of those special people, serves only
to awaken the life in ourselves. All we can do is continue doing
what we do best. Brian was making music till the end. I loved
Brian and will miss him and think of him forever. Ron AC
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 This is the only album that AC would release. This
classic piece of Canadiana musical art is still as fresh today
as it was when it was originally released. It is the ultimate
bubble gum trophy. The album put out three hits "Goodbye
Farewell" "Gypsy" and "Thank You" all..(the store)
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 I LOVE
YOUR WEBSITE IT IS ONE OF THE MOST UNIQUE I'VE SEEN YET. I STILL
HAVE TO CHECK IT OUT SOME MORE. JJ KINNON - MISSION VIEJO, C.A.
USA |
 I saw Abraham's Children in Moncton N.B.
and they rocked. I was wondering if their tour will be bringing
them out this way. Richard New Brunswick |
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