Block, Ron

RON BLOCK

• From Torrance, California. Lives in Nashville
• His father owned a music store (Hogan’s Music) in Southern California. He grew up literally surrounded by musical instruments.
• Began playing guitar at age 11; banjo at age 13.
• 1983-1985, played with a Southern California band called Yankee Bluegrass.
• 1985-1989, was a member of Weary Hearts with Mike Bub, Butch Baldassari, Eric Uglum and Chris Jones.
• 1989, played in a band called New Wine with Rob Ickes, Eric Uglum and Sandra Block.
• 1990, moved to Nashville.
• 1991, worked with the Lynn Morris Band.
• 1992, joined Alison Krauss and Union Station, playing banjo and guitar. Regarded the “spiritual touchstone” of the group because of his deep religious faith.
• Has written songs that have been recorded by Alison Krauss, Randy Travis, Rhonda Vincent, the Cox Family, Dan Tyminski, many others.
• 2000, appeared and performed in the movie and soundtrack “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”
• 2001, released solo album of original gospel music, Faraway Land (Rounder).
• 2004, delivered the keynote address at the IBMA World of Bluegrass business conference in Louisville.
• 2005, released second solo album Doorway (Rounder).
• 2013, released album Walking Song (Rounder).
• 2015, released Hogan’s House of Music album (no label), named after his father’s music store in southern California.
• 2016, toured with Sierra Hull in the UK.
• 2022-2024, recorded and toured with Irish banjo player Damian O’Kane. Released Banjophonics album (Pure).
• 2023, joined Southern Legacy with Mike Anglin, Don Rigsby, Steve Thomas & Josh Williams.
• 2024, continued performing and recording with Alison Krauss & Union Station.