Music Icon Ron Sowell and his Secret to Staying Young and Happy

Welcome to The Jen Hardy Show: Fabulous Over Fifty! (merging the podcast and YouTube Channel!)

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Today you have the opportunity to sit down (virtually) with musical icon Ron Sowell—a singer, songwriter, producer, and longtime musical director of Mountain Stage, NPR’s legendary music show now running for over four decades. Ron opens up about his eclectic musical journey from Roswell, New Mexico to West Virginia, sharing stories of backing up artists of every genre and collaborating with some of his biggest musical heroes.

In this candid conversation, Ron discusses his latest album—conceived during the long days of the lockdown—and explores the philosophy behind his uplifting song “It’s All Up To You,” which celebrates the idea that while aging is inevitable, getting old is optional. The episode dives into the heart and humor of pursuing creative passion later in life, the joy of connecting with audiences, and how Mountain Stage has exposed him to a stunning variety of music from across the globe.

Whether you’re a music lover or just looking for motivation to keep pursuing what brings you joy, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Stick around—links to Ron’s music and more are included in the show notes, so you can experience his work for yourself!

 

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Jen

 

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ABOUT RON

Best known for his role as Music Director of Mountain Stage, the internationally acclaimed radio show, Ron Sowell is also a dynamic singer-songwriter, guitar & harmonica player, performer and producer.

Growing up on the high deserts of Roswell, New Mexico. Ron dedicated his early years to sports and music. He learned to sing by mimicking his dad's high tenor in church and he played a mean third base for his state champion Little League team.

At age 13 his life was altered forever when his mother bought him a guitar and lessons at a local music store. Buoyed by her encouragement and the revelation that "girls dig it" Ron played "till his fingers hurt" in a series of rock bands and folk groups.

In high school he was crushed by the realization (and several NFL-sized linebackers) that at 5'8" and 155 pounds, a professional sports career was not in his future. So, heading off to college with a scholarship to sing in the choir in his pocket, Ron dove headlong into developing his musical skills. It was there that he began writing songs.

After graduation from Eastern New Mexico University, he hit the road playing clubs and coffee houses. Four years later on a brief visit to the beautiful hills of West Virginia it felt "so right" that he unloaded his car and began putting down roots. There he formed two critically acclaimed bands "The Putnam County Pickers" and "Stark Raven" with whom he recorded four albums and clocked thousands of miles touring across the US, Germany, Turkey, Greece, Crete, Ethiopia and Greenland.

About the same time Ron joined a fledgling local radio show called Mountain Stage as the resident guitar player eventually rising to the position of music director. Starting with a handful of local radio stations, Mountain Stage is now heard on almost 300 stations nationwide on NPR. As a member of the Mountain Stage Band he has played with a wide array of artists ranging from Sarah McLachlan, Lyle Lovette & Maria Muldaur to The Band, REM, Dr John & Nora Jones.

 "Dance Till the Music Stops" marks the release of his 4th solo album.