It's hard to describe this book because it doesn't fall neatly into an existing category. Rush's first book, Life of a Roadie, is a more straightforward memoir. His second you could call a collection of essays. This book combines too many different elements to be labeled. From reminiscence to history lessons to rants to advice to jokes, this book is an eclectic mix, an exploration of the author's mind that is just as varied in content as it is in tone. Read with an open mind and a spirit willing to be stretched. The titular twists aren't just historical coincidences; you'll find your own mind challenged to keep up with the wild ride that is this book!
Sacramento’s own Radio Personality Turns Author!
Meet Ronnie Rush, a former roadie turned truck driver...a radio phenom turned author...Ronnie has done a little of everything!
Ronnie has had a lot of different careers in his lifetime, all of which meant something to him for each phase. In the 70s, he was a roadie! While he worked
for a number of different groups, his favorite stint on the road was when he traveled with famous rock and roll group Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds, best
known for their hit “Don’t Pull Your Love.” During that time, he was called ‘Ronnie the Roadie’ and was known as the hardest-working guy on the road. Ronnie did everything from pulling equipment off the truck to setting it up. When the shows were over, he’d tear it all back down again and load the truck back up.
In his next phase of life, Ronnie trucked across every state in the U.S. and through Canada in an 18-wheeler. Then, he became a DJ in California clubs before heading to broadcasting school, with a career of radio in his sights. Of the 31 students in his class, Ronnie was at the top. He even had a job in radio before graduating and then, proceeded to work his way up through the markets. Now, he’s one of Sacramento’s own radio personalities that has withstood the test of time.
When you’re on the radio, Ronnie says, “There’s nobody in the room with you. You don’t have that sense that anyone is listening.” But he talks about listeners and friends approaching him in public, telling him that they heard him on the radio. That’s a reminder that “There’s always someone listening.” That idea, and a love for the crab, keeps Ronnie going before he turns on the microphone, preparing and honing his skills so that when the ON light turns red, he’s ready!
Ten years ago, Ronnie turned to the written word and wrote his first book, a memoir of his life entitled Life of a Roadie: The Gypsy in Me. He sketches out
his time on the road as a roadie in what he calls “the least cool of all jobs” ...the roadie. Ronnie went on to write a second book, Walk a Mile in My Shoes, which is more of a philosophical reflection on his life’s experiences.
Most recently, in addition to his on-air radio duties, Ronnie has put out a third book, Twist of Fate. He says, “Birthday parties are planned, as are other gatherings, but once in a while a twist of fate enters our lives to shake things up, and it’s part of the human experience to deal with it.” The intriguing cover of the book features a picture of Abraham Lincoln as well as a shot of Kennedy in his car before he was assassinated.
This Artistic Adult has been all over the continent, yet he has chosen to settle in the Natomas/Sacramento area and share his talents with this community!
