Ron Spicer

Ron Spicer, Sussex singer and musician, 1929 - 1996. Son of the singer George Spicer.

Although he was a musician all his life, playing melodeon, piano accordion and electric organ, Ron only started singing in public in the 1980s, after the death of his famous singing father, George. Ron sang some of his father's songs but also sang a wide range of other songs - including recently-composed songs learned in folk clubs - sometimes to accordion accompaniment. He had a gentle but winning way with his songs and he quickly became one of the most popular figures at singing venues in the south-east. He and his wife, Doris, must have been amongst the most ardent supporters of folk clubs in their area, often going as many as 5 or 6 times a week. Born near Dover in Kent, Ron lived with his parents on farms where his father worked in various parts of Kent until moving to his final farm, not far north of the Ardingly Show Ground in Sussex as an 11 year old.

Photograph of Ron Spicer (Veteran Records)

Bibliography

Doris Spicer and Dick Richardson, The Life of a Man: Ron Spicer 1929 - 1996, Country Books, 1997 - ISBN 0 8 98941 06 8
Katie Howson, Musical Traditions review

Discography

• Ron Spicer, Following my dear old Dad, cassette tape, no label

• Various artists, When the May is all in Bloom, Veteran VT131CD

Lily White Hand

Constant Lovers

• Various artists, The Keys of Canterbury, Steel Carpet MATS010

Folkestone Murder

Men of Kent