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Kris Nelson
12 years ago

I am blown away. I moved back to Nebraska from Nashville in 2001 and tonight was searching on Facebook for old friends and searched for Ralph. He worked for me - just a little part time job to fill time and pick up some bucks that was flexible when he got session work or a gig. And my heart just broke when I saw that he passed. If anyone from his family sees this-I have some SUPER FUN photos of Ralph from some office parties we had. He was such a joy and so fun to know. Truly a loss to all.

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jack propps
12 years ago

i worked 6 shows with ralph pAlying for billy joe royal. my 1st show was also my 1st artist show, as you can imagine i was a wreck. before the show ralph could sense this. so 60seconds before show time i say' ralph, youve worked w the best i hope i dont screw you up.' he said; 'dont make me have to jump over them drums' in other words. chill jack. and it went fine. tyvm ralph. RIP

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Ronnie Heselmeyer
12 years ago

I didn't know about this until now while on YouTube and I'm very sorry to hear about this. What a great person he was as well as a great bass player. I met Ralph back in 1990 when my country band (Jodie Jay Band) opened up for Shenandoah here in Texas at a place in the country called Rowe Valley. I'm a bass player myself and I was really nervous on that gig just knowing that Ralph was there. I even got to play through his bass rig and that sent chills down my spine. After we played, Shenandoah played and what a great performance it was and all of their songs sounded great. After the show, we met Shenandoah and what an honor it was to meet such a great group of guys and very talented musicians they were. Several years later in 2003, my wife had a conference in Nashville and we went walking around Nashville and went to the Country Music Hall of Fame and there I saw Ralph working in the gift shop putting cd's on the shelf. I told my wife that I knew him, so she went up to him and told him that I knew him, so he came up to me and we shook hands and talked about the gig in Texas and of course, we also talked about bass gear. I then bought Shenandoah's greatest hits cd and Ralph signed it for me, so I was very thankful for that. Again, I'm so sorry to hear the news and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. I'm honored to have met Ralph and he will truly be missed.

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Jackie Hicks
13 years ago

My mother was a great fan of Shenandoah and loved Ralph. She carried a picture of him in her locket around her neck. Ralph always had time to speak to my mom and I so appreciated that. My mom died in 2002 and was put to rest with that locket around her neck.

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Weber T
14 years ago

I went to high school w/ Ralph. He was one of the nicest guys around and he stayed that way. Kind, funny, and an all around good man. I wish his family well.

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LILY WHITE
14 years ago

WHILE I DIDN'T KNOW HIM, I ENJOYED HIS PERFORMANCES ON STAGE. ALWAYS SMILING AND JOKING, MAKING EVERYONE FEEL GOOD. GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND MAY HE REST IN PEACE.

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Ron Mullen
15 years ago

I knew Ralph in Jackson, Ms. when he played with a group called Sassy Jones. This was known as the absolute best and tightest group in the area. I moved to Dallas and was back a few years later for a visit. I ran into Ralph and he told me he was headed to Nashville. I said Ralph, don't do it, you have a steady paying gig here and musicians are a dime a dozen. A year or 2 later I had turned on the TV and was watching the Ralph Emory show. He announced a new group with a new hit single. The band started playing the song "2 Dozen Roses" and as the camera panned I saw Ralph playing bass with this new group called Shenandoah! I'm glad he didn't listen to my advice! I will always remember him as a great musician with a passion for music, not to mention just a wonderful person who was a friend to everyone. What a great gift to the music industry he gave.

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Drenna
14 years ago

I did not know till I saw an article about Darryl Worley that Ralph had died..my goodness..what a talented artist..loved and miss Shenandoah music..

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Diane M.
15 years ago

My prayers are with you all who knew Ralph well, and to all his fans. Ralph was very talented in the music industry. He will be missed by all who loved him. God be with you during this time of grief.

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Kathie Graviett
15 years ago

I was Shenandoahs fan club rep. for the state of Mo. from 1989 until ? I spent alot of time with Ralph. My kids thought so much of him. He was always smiling and had a kind word. I remmber a couple of years ago, I went to a little corner bar. I was told that a member of shenandoah was going to be playing with the band. I said no way! There walked in Ralph. I grabbed him and huged him and it was like seeing family. When ever they had a break he came to our table and sit with us. He was just playing with those boys having fun. I'll miss not getting to see him when I go to the concerts.I felt like he was a part of our family. My prayers go out to his family. My children and I know what it's like to loose someone. We lost their father to a motorcycle wreck in june of 06. Monday it will be 2 years. It gets easier with everyday but it's hard and you never forget.

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Anonymous
16 years ago

Sometimes you meet someone that you just connect with. You know that you will be life-long friends from the start. Such a man was Ralph Ezell. A man who, despite his fame and accomplishments, was a down to earth, friendly, kind and cheerful man. Full of life, constantly joking and just fun to be around. Most would know Ralph as the Bass Guitar Player and founding member of the Country Super Group Shenandoah. I knew him as my friend. I had talked to Ralph on Friday the week before his death. He had wanted to come to a show that that I was performing in on Saturday, Dec. 1st. but he had gotten confirmation for the South Dakota tour and was leaving. Little did I know that it was the last time I would talk to him. His sudden death has left a hole in this world that will never be filled. But I will always remember him as my friend. I will miss you Ralph!

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Anonymous
16 years ago

well i never had the chance to meet ralph or see the group but they were certanly good and i really liked ralph and marty. it sure is hard losing someone close i lost my little brother about 4 years ago but ralph is in a good place. his music will live on forever. www.caringbridge.org/mn/dustin

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Anonymous
16 years ago

I had so many great memories of Ralph... I became a fan of Shenandoah when I was just 7 or 8 years old. I went to every concert that I could talk my parents into taking me to. Ralph and all the guys always talked to me. One of the things I remember most is how energetic Ralph was on stage and off. I have so many pictures. I hadn't seen Ralph in a while but everytime that I saw Marty in concert or when I saw Shenandoah before he came back I would always ask how he and Stan were doing. The whole group was like a second family to me. You will be greatly missed Ralph!

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Tammi Edwards
16 years ago

Ralph was the best thing that ever happened to me. We shared beautiful moments together and were truly one in spirit. We will remain that way for eternity. I love you baby and miss you with all my heart.

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Anonymous
16 years ago

i seen the band when they was at kenton ohio this past summer..it was great, and he will be very missed.

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Anonymous
16 years ago

I had Ralph Ezell, Jim Seals & Stan Thorn play on my first tape called "Plain Country One". Ralph laid down some great Bass Lines to my music he was a wonderful musician and a great friend. You will be missed my friend and I am truley sorry that I couldn't have seen you more often. "Dear God take this man in you arms and thank him for all of the happiness that he bought to everybody here on earth" We all loved you Ralph your freind Ron Crites! 609=790-1691

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Anonymous
16 years ago

You and your music were wonderful and two dozen roses wouldn't change my mind. Thanks.

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Francis Turner
16 years ago

Rest in peace

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Mark Hinkle
16 years ago

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Mark Hinkle
16 years ago

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Mark Hinkle
16 years ago

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Mark Hinkle
16 years ago

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Mark Hinkle
16 years ago

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Anonymous
16 years ago

Sorry to hear the news. May God ease the pain of the family and friends left behind. Know that you will reunite one day with Ralph, He just beat us to paradise first. God bless.

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Mark Hinkle
16 years ago

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Mark Hinkle
16 years ago

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Mark Hinkle
16 years ago

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Mark Hinkle
16 years ago

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Mark Hinkle
16 years ago

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Mark Hinkle
16 years ago

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