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Although Ron Simpson is not a name you’re likely to recognize, some of the music artists he’s worked with should ring a bell. The hit song, “Norma Jean Riley” by Diamond Rio? He published it. The LDS group Jericho Road? He helped launch them. He helped produce demo tapes for a group of sisters now known as SheDaisy.
Marking his last Young Ambassadors tour, Simpson, associate director and conductor of the group's band, has given 27 years of service to BYU. Through the years he has shared his expertise in helping upcoming musicians succeed in the complex music industry — both on the road and in the classroom.
“I have a deep passion for music and the music industry, and my teaching reflects the desire to prepare talented music students with the tools they’ll need to find a niche of their own,” Simpson said.
According to Simpson, that passion for music has been with him since his birth. As a teenager growing up in Palo Alto, Calif., Simpson said he developed a distinctive understanding of the music industry and began to visualize a way to fit into it.
“He was also a very gifted performer, songwriter, composer, arranger, producer and entrepreneur who knew how to develop talent and manage the career path of those he developed,” said Newell Dayley, a former dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communications.
Dayley was influential in recruiting Simpson to BYU in 1984. He said one of the reasons Simpson was so sought after to join the Young Ambassadors was because he had a very successful career in the music business and owned several companies.
I think he can see into your soul and see what you're capable of doing, even though you haven't done it yet.
–Cherie Call
In the time Simpson spent at BYU, he worked with the Young Ambassadors and Living Legends, suggesting ideas for new shows, producing recordings and recruiting and training the musical groups. He also arranged some of the music, conducted the groups and occasionally mentored students. Additionally, Simpson brought a songwriting class to BYU.
Randy Boothe, associate dean of the college and artistic director of the Young Ambassadors, worked with Simpson since his early days with the Young Ambassadors. Boothe said because Simpson has worn so many hats, he was able to help students be more competitive and prepared for the music industry.
“Ron has had a wealth of professional experience so that he is able to speak the language of the music industry,” Boothe said. “He makes it a point to stay current and up-to-date with the music, the trends, the transitions and changes in the marketplace.”
Boothe observed Simpson spending hours of his personal time meeting with students to give them feedback on their songwriting as well as helping them explore other career options.
Boothe said many of his students who have graduated and moved on are working in many major cities around the country. Simpson has worked with many well-known LDS artists — from Hillary Weeks to Sam Cardon to Cherie Call.
Call, a songwriter and former student of Simpson, shared a story of when she performed in her first show. As she looked out into the audience, she saw Simpson ready to support and cheer her on.
When a student achieves, I allow myself a sort of educator's commission in satisfaction and joy.
–Ron Simpson
“I was amazed by that,” Call said. “He had a lot of students who are very talented, and a lot of other responsibilities at BYU, but he still took the time to be there to support me."
Call said Simpson attended many of her shows from the beginning, and she knows many of his students would agree he has done the same for them. Call said what made Simpson an amazing teacher was how serious he was about songwriting as well as how honest he was.
“It's hard sometimes for a teacher to give a critique while being encouraging, and if something isn't good, he will tell you,” Call said. “I think he can see into your soul and see what you're capable of doing, even though you haven't done it yet. He tries to help you see your capabilities and how to make them into reality.”
Simpson said early on he realized he would need to adjust his personal mission statement to better help his students.
“It was no longer about me but what I was able to do for students,” Simpson said. “When a student achieves, I allow myself a sort of educator’s commission in satisfaction and joy. It’s the same rush I used to get hearing my own music on the radio or seeing it coupled to film or video.”
Simpson’s wife, Maisa, has observed the countless hours he dedicates to his students outside the classroom. She said he writes notes to his students and he takes a very personal interest in those who are not accepted into the program.
“I know he spends hours sending notes and cards and paying attention,” Maisa Simpson said. “I would think the students appreciate that kind of personal attention he gives them.”
Simpson said his plans for retirement include getting back into his own projects and exploring writing.
“Through the years, my medium has shifted,” Simpson said. “I used to interpret the world through musical expression, and more and more I’ve enjoyed the written word.”
When asked what his favorite job has been, Simpson said teaching was the first thing that came to mind but recognized one of the reasons he was a good teacher was because of the many jobs he had before coming to BYU.
“If I hadn’t been a songwriter, a publisher, a studio musician, a professional manager, a studio owner, a record producer, and if I hadn’t written my own contracts, then what would I teach?” Simpson said.
(Top photo courtesy: Deseret News)
