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Ron Altbach

Ronald Steven Altbach (December 24, 1946 – February 21, 2023) was an American musician, songwriter, pianist, and entrepreneur renowned for co-founding the rock band and his extensive collaborations with . Born in Olcott, , Altbach began his musical journey playing and trombone in local bands during his youth, graduating from Newfane High School before attending . Altbach originally co-formed in 1969 while at with Doc Robinson, Ed Tuleja, and Rod Novak, before the band relocated to in 1970, where he also studied classical music under . The band achieved international success with their 1973 hit "," which Altbach co-wrote and for which he performed the piano intro and backup vocals, reaching No. 13 on the and No. 5 in . Throughout the 1970s, Altbach served as a session keyboardist for the Beach Boys, touring with them and contributing to their 1978 album M.I.U./The Beach Boys, which he co-produced and for which he co-wrote "Belles of Paris," "She's Got Rhythm," and "Winds of Change"; he also co-wrote "Lady Lynda" for their 1979 album L.A. (Light Album). He also performed with Mike Love's band Celebration, featuring Beach Boys touring musicians, and later collaborated with artists like Huey Lewis. Beyond music, Altbach ventured into business, co-founding Mediacom Filmworks in 1983 as executive producer for films and TV specials, serving as principal and vice chairman at Rosecliff Capital in the 1990s, chairing Paul Sebastian fragrances, co-founding Regeneration Capital Group in 2008, and becoming a founding shareholder and board member of Smart for Life in 2017, alongside his role as principal in MPS Infrastructure. Altbach's later musical contributions included King Harvest's The Lost Tapes (2007), the album Old Friends (2015), and the single "Our Old Songs" (2016), as well as hosting band reunions in 2012 and 2013. He was inducted into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame in the Class of 2022, recognizing his roots and impact on the local music scene. Altbach passed away unexpectedly in from complications of , leaving a legacy honored by a memorial concert in his hometown of Olcott on July 29, 2023, featuring surviving members.

Early life and education

Childhood in New York

Ronald Steven Altbach was born on December 24, 1946, in Olcott, New York, a small lakeside community in Niagara County known for its fishing heritage along . He spent his formative years in the nearby rural town of Newfane, where the close-knit environment of fostered community activities that surrounded daily life. Altbach attended Newfane High School, where he first explored music through instrumental performance. During his teenage years, he played and in school bands as well as local groups, gaining early hands-on experience in ensemble playing. In the late , while still a student, he formed his initial rock 'n' roll band, The Newfies, with friends including George Bridgeman, marking his budding enthusiasm for amid the region's vibrant . Following his high school graduation, Altbach enrolled at , initially intending to pursue pre-medical studies in line with common expectations for academic paths at the time. However, his passion for music soon led him to change course, ultimately earning a degree in the field and setting the stage for advanced classical training abroad.

Classical training and move to Paris

During his time at , where he enrolled in 1965, Ron Altbach initially pursued pre-medical studies before switching his focus to music, ultimately graduating with a degree in music in 1969. This shift marked the beginning of his formal commitment to classical piano, building on musical talents nurtured in his upbringing. In 1969, after completing his degree, Altbach relocated to to immerse himself in advanced classical training. There, he studied under the renowned composer and pedagogue , whose influential teaching had shaped figures like and . Altbach dedicated his days to rigorous with Boulanger, honing techniques that elevated his proficiency in classical repertoire. This period in contributed to Altbach's development as a , as his training emphasized interpretive depth and technical mastery central to the . While pursuing classical studies, Altbach engaged in Paris's vibrant music scene; later, with the formation of , the band participated in talent contests and contributed to a Europe-only debut . The move to Paris thus represented a pivotal transition, exposing him to international artistry and solidifying his identity as a versatile .

Musical career

Co-founding King Harvest

In 1970, Ron Altbach co-founded the French-American rock band in , where he had relocated after studying classical .https://www.nfmusichof.org/inductees-2022/ronald-altbach- The initial lineup included Altbach on keyboards, Tuleja on guitar and vocals, Novak on bass and saxophone, and on drums, with bassist Didier Alexandre joining shortly after.https://medium.com/@sonyaa2/moonlight-feels-right-an-interview-with-king-harvests-rod-novak-b1f024cb1542 Altbach's classical training subtly influenced his keyboard style, blending technical precision with rock arrangements.https://www.classicbands.com/KingHarvestInterview.html The group formed amid the vibrant music scene in , winning a local rock contest that led to their first recording opportunities, including a soundtrack for the 1971 entry Le Feu Sacré.https://kingharvest.us/home As the band's primary keyboardist, Altbach contributed prominently to their sound, notably playing the iconic Wurlitzer electric piano intro on their breakthrough single "Dancing in the Moonlight," released in 1972.https://secondhandsongs.com/artist/102882/all Written by Sherman Kelly, an old acquaintance from their Ithaca, New York, days, the song originated as a hopeful response to Kelly's traumatic assault experience in St. Croix and had been previously recorded by his band Boffalongo.https://bestclassicbands.com/dancing-moonlight-king-harvest-5-18-222/ Produced by Pierre Jaubert and Jack Robinson, it became King Harvest's signature hit, topping charts in France and reaching No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 after a U.S. re-release.https://kingharvest.us/home Their Europe-only debut album, I Can Tell (1971), showcased their eclectic rock style but received limited attention outside the continent.https://www.discogs.com/artist/510958-King-Harvest Despite the single's success, King Harvest faced significant challenges, including frequent lineup shifts—such as Wells Kelly's departure in 1971 and the addition of Doc Robinson on vocals and keyboards—that disrupted stability.https://www.discogs.com/artist/510958-King-Harvest Initial singles flopped in France before the hit, and upon relocating to the United States in the mid-1970s to capitalize on American airplay, the band struggled with label instability; their U.S. debut album Dancing in the Moonlight (1973) on Perception Records peaked at No. 136 on the , after which the label folded.https://bestclassicbands.com/dancing-moonlight-king-harvest-5-18-222/ These issues, compounded by the difficulties of transitioning from European expatriate status to the competitive U.S. market, ultimately led to the band's dissolution in 1976.https://kingharvest.us/home

Session work and songwriting for The Beach Boys

In the mid-1970s, Ron Altbach joined as a touring and session keyboardist, leveraging his experience with to secure opportunities in the American music scene. His involvement began in 1974, contributing keyboards to live and studio recordings during a period of renewed popularity following the compilation. Altbach's keyboard work added layered textures to the band's sound, particularly on synthesizers and , supporting their shift toward more polished, adult-oriented pop arrangements. Altbach's most prominent studio contributions came with the 1978 album , which he co-produced alongside at in . The project stemmed from a band retreat aimed at revitalizing creativity, with Altbach helping oversee the construction of a makeshift studio after returning from a six-month trip with and saxophonist Charles Lloyd. He played keyboards on several tracks, including the upbeat opener "She's Got Rhythm," which he co-wrote with and , infusing disco-influenced rhythms reflective of late-1970s trends. Similarly, "Belles of Paris," another co-write with Wilson and Love, drew inspiration from Altbach's recent travels, capturing a nostalgic flair through whimsical and light . Altbach also co-wrote "Winds of Change" with Ed Tuleja for the album. Altbach's songwriting extended to "Lady Lynda" on the 1979 album L.A. (Light Album), co-written with as a tribute to Jardine's wife. The track adapts Johann Sebastian Bach's for its melody, an idea Altbach proposed during collaborative sessions that spanned about a year, blending classical elements with the band's harmonious pop style. This fusion helped the song reach the Top 10, showcasing Altbach's role in bridging traditional influences with contemporary production. Beyond albums, Altbach served as for Beach Boys-related live projects, including the 1986 compilation Fourth of July: A Rockin' Celebration of , which featured performances by The alongside , , and others, highlighting his engineering and oversight in capturing multi-artist events.

Other productions and solo endeavors

In the late 1980s, Altbach expanded into film production and acting, earning executive producer credits on the 1987 thriller , directed by John Florea, and the drama , directed by Michael Barnard, both of which explored themes of urban youth and discovery.https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093214/fullcredits/ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093630/fullcredits/ He also appeared as an actor in these productions, alongside his role in the 1988 coming-of-age film .https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0022686/ These media ventures marked a diversification of his creative output during the decade. Altbach pursued solo endeavors with a focus on his classical piano training, culminating in the 2022 release Ron Altbach Plays Rachmaninoff, a collection of seven Rachmaninoff pieces including the Prelude in C-sharp Minor, Op. 3 No. 2 and selections from Op. 23 and Op. 32.https://open.spotify.com/album/5df7Rz3gHzIccB7vxmGyKB Recorded as a personal tribute to the composer's works, the album showcased his interpretive depth on solo piano, self-released under his longtime band's imprint. His miscellaneous session work and songwriting extended to niche projects, such as co-writing and performing original songs for the 1970 film Le Feu Sacré, an entry at the that blended rock elements with cinematic storytelling.https://www.nfmusichof.org/inductees-2022/ronald-altbach- Additionally, Altbach contributed to Transcendental Meditation-related recordings and performances, including a notable recital for that inspired discussions on music's role in consciousness and creativity; as a lifelong TM practitioner and teacher, he integrated these influences into his compositional approach.https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/ronald-altbach-memorial?id=51713361 https://www.facebook.com/groups/2787485287959894/posts/2941674295874325/

Later career and legacy

Business ventures outside music

After concluding his primary musical endeavors in the late 1970s, Altbach transitioned into media production and , leveraging his production expertise from to establish early ventures. In 1983, he co-founded Industries, a publicly traded Los Angeles-based company focused on film and television production, where he served as and for multiple feature films, music videos, and television specials, including titles such as (1988) and (1987). In 1993, Altbach relocated to and entered the finance sector as vice chairman of , Inc., a specializing in leveraged buyouts and investments, during which he also chaired Paul Sebastian, Inc., a portfolio company in the luxury fragrances market. Building on this experience, he founded Cross Media Marketing Corporation in 1998, serving as chairman and CEO until 2003; the American Stock Exchange-listed firm specialized in and collectibles, acquiring assets like Direct Sales International for $28 million in 2000 and growing revenues from $53 million to over $100 million by 2001 through strategic expansions into and . Altbach continued his entrepreneurial pursuits in the mid-2000s, becoming CEO of TableMAX Holdings, Inc., a gaming equipment manufacturer, from 2004 to 2008. In 2008, he co-founded Regeneration Capital Group, a New York-based international providing financing, advisory, and U.S. listing guidance primarily to middle-market Chinese companies in sectors like , , and , where he served as . Later roles included principal and at MPS Inc., focusing on energy and water infrastructure projects in the and , and serving as an and board member of Nasdaq-listed Smart for Life, Inc., a health and company, from October 2020 until his death in 2023. Throughout his finance career, Altbach's background in music engineering and production facilitated his success in media-related , particularly in overseeing broadcast and at , where skills in audio-visual coordination translated to efficient management of film and television projects. Over four decades, his work in capital markets emphasized , structured financing, and business strategy across consumer products, , and infrastructure.

Death and posthumous recognition

Ron Altbach passed away on February 21, 2023, in at the age of 76, due to complications from . Following his death, bandmates from announced the news through official channels, expressing profound sadness over the loss of their longtime collaborator and friend, with statements highlighting his enduring influence on their music and lives. The immediate aftermath saw tributes from fellow musicians, including members of circle where Altbach had contributed as a session player and songwriter. A major memorial event was organized in Altbach's honor: a tribute concert by the remaining King Harvest members held on July 29, 2023, at Olcott Beach in , featuring performances of their hits like "" and joined by local musicians to celebrate his life and contributions. The event included a pre-concert and drew donations for causes aligned with Altbach's legacy. Posthumous dedications included a memorial video released by the official King Harvest YouTube channel in August 2023, compiling highlights of Altbach's career and personal testimonials from bandmates. Additional video tributes emerged from music communities, underscoring his role in yacht rock and collaborative projects. In May 2024, a grand piano was donated to Newfane High School in Altbach's memory, enabling the choir to perform a tribute in his honor. Altbach's legacy endures as a versatile , innovative songwriter, and key collaborator in the rock and pop scenes of the and beyond, with his work on King Harvest's enduring hits and sessions for artists like continuing to influence musicians and fans.

References

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