Keeping Ron "Forever Young"

Feb. 28, 2013 - PRLog -- "Uncle Ronny is a living legend of Texas music," says artrepreneur Nikki Young of her uncle, Ron Young.  "And we want him to stay that way - a *living* legend - for as long as possible."

In that spirit, nearly 300 of Ron Young's family, friends, and fans packed Sam's Burger Joint on Sunday, February 17 for "Forever Young," an all-day benefit for the singer/songwriter, who was diagnosed with an advanced stage of melanoma in late 2012.  Hosted by Jim Beal and Claude “Butch” Morgan, the all-star lineup of performers included Augie Meyers, Ruben V, The Infidels, Patricia Vonne, Tennessee Valley Authority, Los #3 Dinners, and many more.

And at the end of the day, nearly $11,000 was raised - through admissions, donations, raffle ticket sales, and a silent auction - to help Young (who, as an independent musician, is not covered by health insurance) as he prepares for his first round of chemotherapy.

"San Antonio and the Alamo Town music community outdid itself,” Young says. “The support and love you’ve all shown me is truly overwhelming.  So, from the bottom of my heart... and lungs... thanks, thanks a lot!”

As he waits for treatment to begin, Young is moving forward; his latest CD, "Forever Young: Songs of Ron Young, Volume 1" (featuring Meyers, Vonne, The Infidels, Sergio Lara, and Hector Saldana of The Krayolas) was released at the party.  The album is now available online at iTunes and other outlets.

To follow Young throughout his treatment, please visit www.ronlyoung.com.

MORE FACTS:

* Ron Young was a noted music critic and columnist for the San Antonio Light, and the guiding force behind the legendary local magazine It's Only Rock'n'Roll.

* As a songwriter, Young was named a New Folk finalist in the Kerrville Folk Festival (1974), and received the Best Local Songwriting Award from the San Antonio Current (1994).

* Young's recent CD, "Under the Texas Radar," was released in 2012, and features appearances by Augie Meyers, Sergio Lara, Ruben V, members of Tennessee Valley Authority, and more.