Born into a musical family from Houston, Texas on October 3, 1950, today is Ronnie Laws’ 76th birthday. He taught himself to play saxophone at age 11 and, after an eye injury derailed his hopes to become a professional baseball player, devoted all his energy to his music. Laws, brother of flautist Hubert Laws and vocalist sisters Eloise and Debra, studied music at Stephen F. Austin State and Texas Southern University.

In 1970 Ronnie moved to Los Angeles where he worked with Hugh Masakela, Walter Bishop, Jr. and The Crusaders. He also spent two years as saxophonist for Earth, Wind and Fire before pursuing a solo career. Trumpeter Donald Byrd helped Laws get a recording contract with Blue Note Records, and his debut album was produced by Crusaders trombonist and family friend Wayne Henderson. The album “Pressure Sensitive” produced the hit single Always There which reached #45 on the U.S. R&B charts. It was the first of eleven Ronnie Laws singles that would chart in the United States.

Since "Pressure Sensitive" Ronnie Laws has released 18 additional albums and has appeared on records with Ramsey Lewis, Sister Sledge, Deniece Williams, Jeff Lorber and Alphonse Mouzon. He has also been active as a producer. Post-production work is currently underway for a new Ronnie Laws album called ”Solo.“

Here is a link to Ronnie Laws’ 1975 hit Always There:

"ALWAYS THERE"