Ronnie Kole New Orleans Pianist / Entertainer

Ronnie Kole
New Orleans Pianist / Entertainer

Summary: Impresario, composer, celebrity pianist – Ronnie Kole has been an integral part of the New Orleans music scene for decades. He has performed in over 600 cities worldwide, delighting a wide variety of audiences including His Holiness Pope John Paul, II and five presidents of the United States. Kole has appeared at Carnigie Hall and entertains regularly at New Orleans’ two most prestigious festivals: the Jazz and Heritage Festival and the French Quarter Festival. Having recorded more than 30 recordings, Kole stays busy in the studio when he isn’t performing.

More Detail: On July 12th 2001, Ronnie was honored by his initiation as a “Chevalier” in the Order of Arts and Letters, presented by the French Government. The honor – the highest bestowed worldwide on individuals in the field of cultural arts – puts Kole on the company of such distinguished past recipients as Quincy Jones, Bob Dylan, and Julia Childs, and came about as a result of his piano compositions showcasing the wines, vineyards and restaurants of France.

Ronnie Kole’s love affair with the piano began as a boy in Chicago, where he was born. It was a classic case of fate, which gave him a life-long mission that has been uplifting to audiences around the world.

The late legendary trumpet virtuoso, Al Hirt is mainly responsible for the career of Ronnie. It was he, who insisted that Ronnie leave his “steady gig” in Chicago, and go on the road, and you should be on network TV and working in Vegas.”

Kole took Hirt’s advice and guidance, and within a year was performing on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show, the Mike Douglas and Merv Griffin shows, and even in Vegas.

Easter Seal is Ronnie’s main charity, because they help anyone with any kind of disability.

Ronnie Kole has had the great pleasure of performing for Presidents Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush and Clinton, as well as Pope John Paul II. He has performed in concerts at Carnegie Hall as well as in well over 600 cities throughout the United States, Mexico, Central and South America.