One of the most underrated synth pioneers in soul/pop music is Ronnie McNeir. McNeir conceived a highly individualistic approach to music synthesis over the course of his releases. Besides soul music fans and steppers, many albums in McNeir's catalog are favorites among Northern soul and beach music enthusiasts. The Camden, AL, native moved to Detroit, MI, at an early age. He taught himself piano by listening to the records of the day, including the sounds of Motown and jazz artists. As a teen, he won a talent contest and was rewarded with a single release, "Sitting in My Class," on the Deto label. In 1972 while playing in church he met Motown alumni Mickey Stevenson. Using her private recording studio, he recorded his first album, Ronnie McNeir, for RCA that same year that included the singles "Summertime" and "Young Girl." "Summertime" was basis for the McNeir favorite "I'm Your Lover." The Ronnie McNeir LP was reissued around 1978 and became a perennial favorite in the U.K.
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