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1957 - 2023
1957 - 2023
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1957
2023
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6 Entries
Thomas W. Cullings
May 16, 2024
I saw Ronald and Lonnie play but one time. They each had an unmatched enthusiasm for life. I am so sorry to learn that Ronald is gone.
Tamara
March 12, 2023
I went to Lincoln HS class of 1975 with Ronald. Sad to hear about his death. I will keep the family in my prayers.
Tamara Cubit
Class of 1975
Lincoln HS
Shemika Norfleet
March 9, 2023
Our condolences to the McFadden family in the loss of your loved one. May God surround you with the love and support of friends and loved ones and comfort and strengthen you in this difficult time
- The Norfleet Family
Gregory A. Carroll
March 5, 2023
To the McFadden family, colleagues, friends, and fans,
On behalf of the Kansas City Jazz ALIVE board of directors, community of stakeholders including artists, venue owners, educators, students, and patrons, we send our deepest condolences to you for the loss of our beloved Ronald McFadden.
Ronald McFadden of The McFadden Brothers was a world-class entertainer whose career spanned across many countries and venues. He happily brought all 4 of his instruments to the stage with passion and sure delight. We are incredibly grateful to him for sharing his voice, his saxophone, his left foot, and his right foot at every performance. With a wide range of steps from soft-shoe to street-corner moonwalking, his dancing style was truly a silken touch.
Mr. McFadden shared the stage with some of the biggest names in show business, including, Wayne Newton, Sammy Davis Jr., Tony Orlando, Lee Greenwood, Gladys Knight, the Count Basie Orchestra, to name a few. He played virtually all
types of venues from casino show rooms to arenas and coliseums including MGM Grand and Hilton casinos in Las Vegas; Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City; Nimes Coliseum in Nimes France; Rosemont Theater in Chicago; Lincoln Center in New York; and venues here in Kansas City, including the Gem Theater in the Historic Jazz District. He performed for a variety of audiences including a USO tour to Kuwait and Iraq. He enjoyed a long tenure collaborating and entertaining alongside his brother Lonnie McFadden - dating as far back to his elementary school years. Learning and maintaining the "hoofer" tradition from his father - entertainer and all-around Kansas City hoofer, Smilin“ Jimmy McFadden, Ronald will forever be remembered as A Great American Hoofer.
His dedication to building and contributing to the growth of the Kansas City Jazz ecosystem leaves an indelible impact on us all - for which we are forever grateful.
In prayer and gratitude.
Respectfully,
Gregory A. Carroll,
Board President, Kansas City Jazz ALIVE
Chris Burnett, Steve Hargrave, Emily Behrmann, Gale Tallis, B.J. Jansen, Jon McGraw,
Macy Vulgamore
Board of Directors and Staff of Kansas City Jazz ALIVE
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Gloria Davis (Frazier)
March 5, 2023
Growing up with Lonnie and Ronald I never knew how famous they were. I remember them practicing there horns outside on their porch when they lived on Euclid. I remember them performing a tap dance routine at Linwood School's talent shows every year with their father. We also felt lucky and honored to have their mother as a room mother for the holidays. She always had fancy sandwiches and cookies that I will never forget. I always hoped that they would make it in the entertainment business. One thing the brothers always did was remember me whenever they saw me in public. They were always humble and gracious. Ronald was a jazz great and will not be forgotten in the community.
Gloria Davis (Frazier)
JoAnn Wedbush
March 3, 2023
I loved watching Ronnie perform, and will miss his smile, singing, sax and dancing. A true legend and he will be missed.
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