RON Gutierrez

Vocal versatility. For Ron Gutierrez, it developed naturally through his exposure from an early age to a wide array of music. His father, saxophonist Tony Gutierrez, was a founding member of the Topeka Jazz Workshop. His mother loved country music. Ron sang for Sunday church services and developed a repertoire of contemporary Christian songs for high school liturgies.

Drawing on all those influences - jazz, country, Christian, pop, R&B – he began to hone a style of his own. His love for jazz and R&B blended into a soulful jazz reflected in every song he sings.

At the University of Kansas, he performed in a vocal jazz ensemble and sang in Kansas City clubs as a soloist and back-up vocalist. He sang as lead vocalist for three years with Garry Mac Productions and The Atlantic Express, a 12-piece, 60's-style R&B group in Kansas City.

Encouraged by these experiences, he decided to pursue his career as an artist. A chance to audition with The U.S. Army Chorale (now The U.S. Army Band Downrange) led to a full-time professional vocalist position with this elite vocal ensemble, part of The United States Army Band, “Pershing’s Own”, based in Washington, D.C. With The Chorale and as a frequently requested soloist, he performed for all levels of the Administration, Congress, the U.S. military and countless foreign and U.S. dignitaries.

His rich, soulful vocals and vast repertoire have led to performances alongside such artists as Michael McDonald, Wynonna Judd, Rita Moreno and B.B. King, as soloist with The National Symphony Orchestra and during national television appearances on such shows as “Showtime at the Apollo” and on numerous live PBS concerts.

Since leaving the Army, Ron has been based in Kansas City, a city known for its rich jazz heritage. His smooth voice and dynamic stage presence have established him as one of the region’s top performers and as an in-demand guest artist on concerts and recordings of all genre. This reputation led to tours as vocalist with the world-renowned Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and performances with some of the top big bands in the country, including the acclaimed Kansas City Jazz Orchestra. 

Ron began establishing an international fan base when he appeared as a concert soloist at St. Ignatius Cathedral in Rome. Later that year he gained a new legion of fans when he headlined the inaugural Jazz in Riads Jazz Festival in Fez, Morocco. On the final night of the festival he was honored by the contingent of artists from France with a request to share the stage for an impromptu encore.

He is one of a select few repeat artists for Kansas City’s Plaza Lighting Ceremony, with audiences of over 100,000. Organizers of the Coleman Hawkins Legacy Jazz Festival dubbed him a “highlight” of their event. The Manhattan Arts Center said they were “enthralled...our best one this season.”  He received great response at the Music City J.A.M. (Jazz & More), Nashville’s premier jazz festival. Ron is especially proud to share his unique talents in performances for the NAACP. During one recent event, he was dubbed “The Latin Luther” Vandross by CNN political analyst Roland S. Martin.

From St. Peter’s Basilica to the stages of The Apollo Theater, Carnegie Hall, The Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center and The Grand Ol’ Opry, to television and recordings, Ron has captivated audiences around the world, young and old and from every walk of life.

And the best is yet to come.