IDOL OF THE 70s
He was an idol of the ‘70s teeny-boppers, writes Esther Lewis
Cape music legend is remembered
IT WAS 1973. Television had not yet arrived in South Africa. Entertainment was centred on movie houses and variety shows.
And one of Cape Town’s musical legends, Ronnie Joyce, was about to be discovered.
Joyce, who grew up in Bokmakierie in Athlone, started his music career at the tender age of 14.
It was another time, says singer, songwriter and producer Richard Jon Smith.
Smith was just 21 when he and his band first heard Joyce singing at the Kismet. Joyce, only 14 at the time, was then introduced to Smith.
Smith, who had been making waves in the South African music scene, took Joyce under his wing.
“He was so tiny. He didn’t even look 14! But from the first night he went on stage at the Kismet, we wanted to keep him with us. He was a gem picked up by chance,” says Smith.
Joyce was signed to CCP Records in the 1970s, and worked alongside the likes of Smith, Jonathan Butler and Lionel Petersen, touring the country.
After the news of his death broke on Tuesday morning, Jonathan Butler wrote: “This morning is a very sad day for me, hearing the news that my old friend had passed away.” Butler lamented about how special it was to have shared a stage with Joyce, singing Joyce and Petersen performed with Butler at his Evolution show at the Grand Arena in GrandWest last year. Butler said he was grateful for all the good times shared over the years.
Smith remembers Joyce as a talented, lovable character.
Recalling the early days, Smith says: “He didn’t say much, but he always smiled. He went on stage and people could share in his joy.”
Joyce went on to enjoy great success with several hits, including
Give A Little Love (which went
gold), Heavenly, Every body Knows, Hey Big Brother and Merry Christmas Dear Mother, one of his own compositions.
Joyce and Butler became teenybopper idols in the late 1970s, with the hits that came off their duet album It Takes Two.
Smith recalls how the entire crowd – especially the women – went mad for Joyce. “He just stole people’s hearts,” says Smith.
In the 1980s, Joyce joined the band Lastique and featured in their hit song Lost In Love.
He later went on to join the pop band The Rockets. He co-wrote their hit OohLaLa La, and featured in Surrender,
Gimme A Break, and Situations, which was performed live at the historic Concert In The Park.
Learning of his death, The Rockets’ Jerry Watt wrote on Facebook: “Your time with The Rockets will always be special. You will always be remembered.” A message from the entire group read: “Ronnie Joyce, a remarkable talent and one of the greatest singers to ever come out of the Western Cape. His years with The Rockets will be fondly remembered not only for his amazing talent but also his sense of humour and humility.”
Several musicians looked up to Joyce as an inspiration. Vicky Sampson tweeted: “It was a privilege (and honour) to know you and work with you. Natasha and family… My prayers and thoughts are with you all… Rest in peace, my friend. We will never forget you.”
Alistair Izobell simply wrote: “Thanx for the music.”
Felicia Mabuza-Suttle tweeted: “Rest in peace Ronnie Joyce. You gave us memorable performances at my restaurant for over 10 years.”
Joyce, who was dubbed “Little Ronnie Joyce”, enjoyed great success.
By the 1990s, he had launched his own project called K-CEE with Shandel Music. Songs on the album they recorded were written by Tito Jackson, and Amir Bayan, who was part of Kool and the Gang. The album also featured Hugh Masekela.
During this period, Joyce’s band toured extensively and performed to sold-out audiences. But he yearned to focus on spiritual matters. Joyce gave up his band for a quieter life.
Joyce married his lead singer, Natasha, who later changed her name to Hadassah.
By 1994, he had started his spiritual journey, which saw him become active in composing, producing and recording gospel music.
He worked closely with his wife in this process. The couple – with their three children Aaron, Judah, and Grace-Autumn – had been living in Joburg for several years.
According to reports, Joyce had a kidney-related illness.
Hadassah said the family had a good support system. While her sons were stronger, the children were struggling. She said she couldn’t go into detail about her husband’s death, as it was too upsetting. But she does have some com
fort: “He pre- pared us for what was to happen. We did say goodbye.”
Memorial services for Ronnie Joyce will be held in Cape Town and Joburg next week.