Country Music U.S.A.

Ronnie Dunn & Toby Kieth in
Country Music U.S.A.
LIVE IN CONCERT

Ron Roof
Born and raised in Santa Clarita, CA, Ron had no idea where his love for music would take him as a performer. Freh out of school, Ron opted to take part in the Armed Services and joined the United States Air Force. His tour of duty took him to England where his love of music soon followed as he formed a pop rock band called "What About John."

Touring throughout southern and central England, he began to realize that after he won first place in the British National Singing Championship at the Hippodrome, that his interest in singing may be more than just a hobby.

After leaving the Air Force, Ron took his newly acquird hunger for stardom back to the States where he became a family man and settled down to raisse his children. Over the course of the next few years Ron and his family moved to Arizona Where he became a dealer in Laughlin, NV, located at the AZ/NV state line.

Still a frustrated performer, Ron entered every talent competition Nevada and Arizona had to offer. Easily taking first place inalmost every competition, Ron's popularity as a local hero soon caught the eye of producer Gary Bridges at the Riverside Hotel and Casino where Ron was employed as a dealer.

Mr. Bridges' shows were frequently booked at the Riverside and Ron knew that Gary was also running two shows in Nashville. So, he politely requested an audition. Seeing Ron's strong, raw talent, Gary was blown away with his incredible stage presence; but was caught up in the notion of "who in Gad's creation did this kid look like?" Bridges told him, "You know, if you had a beard and longer hair, you could probably, with a little vocal work sound and look like Toby Kieth." Ron agreed to give it a try. Six months would pass before Ron would be able to audition for Gary again.

The next audition was flawless. Ron's emulation of Toby's voice and mannerisms were incredible. So, the scene was set. Ron would now join Country Music U.S.A. Live In Concert as a full time cast member and portray Toby Kieth, or so he thought.

Little did he know that unkown to himself or Gary this plan woulg soon change. While meeting with Ron backstage prior to a performance, Gary remembered a meeting between he and Roy Jernigan earlier that week where Roy made reference to the show and said, "If we could just find a Brooks and Dunn." "Nobody has that act!"

Bridges looked at Ron and said, "Can you sound like Ronnie Dunn?" Ron had this you've got to be kidding me look, but he proudly said, "Sure I can." and began to sing 'My Maria' aloud. Gary immediately said, "That's it by God. You're now Ronnie Dunn." Ron said, "That's great; I'll do anything to work with your show. But, what about Kix Brooks?" Gary politely exclaimed, "That's my job. You just leave that to me."

After one rehearsal, some leather pants with grommets, a dark wig and sideburns, plus one moustache added to Eric York (better known as Garth Brooks), thay had the ingredients for the world famous Brooks and Dunn!

It was a homerun! The new addition was complete and has been leaving audiences spellbound at every performance. Ron is happily making a living doing what he loves to do; and that is performing. Where he'll go from here? He simply says, "The sky's the limit."