The Most Beautiful Music Is Written By This Person. [Ron Sexsmith]

He is one of my all time favourite songwriters. He is truly one of the best. It's Ron Sexsmith. If you haven't listened to Ron's music yet...please, take a seat and allow me to introduce you.
Beautiful songs, beautiful guitar playing, beautiful songwriting...he does it all.
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#RonSexsmith #MusicReview #Songwriting

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Are you a fan of Ron Sexsmith or is this the first time hearing about him?

[@01AceAlpha]

Once met him at a restaurant before one of his gigs he was playing across town. Very kind. We saw him later, walking by himself to the bar he was playing at. Such a Canadian thing to do.

[@williamballard2964]

Thank you, through your videos, for turning me on to "new" artists!!! Keep on tubing. 😎😎😎

[@nicxshaw]

First time!

[@althousedd]

I’m 52 and fairly certain I’ve never heard of him before. 4 minutes into your video I listened to Secret Heart and now am a huge fan too. Such a simple, pure and honest track. Thanks for the turn on to him. I can’t wait to dive deeper.

[@phillippettitt3071]

Heard his name... and a few songs... but it he's always been just ou of reach or at least circumstance until now. This video ends. I load the playlist ....cheers Justin. Thabks everyone

[@JakeFlakeful]

“Strawberry Blond.” Perfect song. I could write an essay about how brilliant it is, but I prefer to just weep gratefully.

[@Holymakinaw]

I love Ron, and I lived on the same street as him in Toronto for some years. I'd see him walking around many days, going to the grocery store for food, or just out for walks. No one knew who he was except me. I stopped him one day and told him that I'm a huge fan and I joked that I've illegally downloaded ALL his music. He laughed. It's sad that he's not a massive star around the world, or even in his own country. He's brilliant.

[@mindhead2005]

Ron is a god of melody and a humble, self deprecating guy. An unsung hero of song

[@stuartcarden1371]

Never will I ever get bored of this glorious channel

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

You are too kind.

[@fiztaqt2343]

It's basically a music appreciation class, taught by a rock star, and just keeps on going

[@thegrandbeef]

The blowing town & C section bit killed me. One two punch, I about spit out my supper lol

[@spiderriff]

Glorious!

[@CharlesWillisBonsai]

I've been a huge fan of Justin's for years, but the upload rate is borderline overwhelming.

[@ceciliawilson6328]

Your one of the only people I have seen talk about Ron Sexsmith. He is a true musical genius. Hurrah for you man.

[@NewFalconerRecords]

Ron Sexsmith is the very definition of a songwriters' songwriter. 'Pretty Little Cemetery' is one of my favourites of his (from 'Other Songs'), his storytelling and use of imagery is simply next level.

[@GameSetAndMatch.]

Ron is an absolute gem, one of the greatest song writers of all time ❤️❤️

[@DoucheCake76]

Love Ron Sexsmith! He's an absolutely brilliant songwriter. Don't know why he isn't more known outside of Canada. But I can say that about a lot of Canadian artists. Thanks so much Justin for shining a light on this gem!

[@Tom-bz4kj]

Couldn’t agree more it’s unreal how good his music is if you ask me

[@XanTylerSinger]

RS is one of the finest songwriters there is. He always manages to say so much with so few words. Simple songs that are clever without being too wordy or self indulgent. Oh to be as good as you Ron ❤️

[@marcustongue123]

Thank you so much for talking about Ron Sexsmith. His music means so much to me.

[@jsimes1]

Thank you good sir! I'm ashamed to say that I hadn't heard of Ron Sexsmith. But his music is wonderful and I've just purchased my first three Ron Sexsmith albums and I am sure I will work my way through his catalog!

[@247Therocker]

Me too. I’m a HUGE fan of Ron’s and have been right from the beginning. Such an incredible songwriter and talent. More people need to become fans of Ron

[@alisonyoungmusic]

Yes!!! So stoked you're covering Ron Sexsmith. He's a treasure, and more people should hear his music. Love the songs you chose.

[@myronb5110]

Wow! I've been impressed enough by Justin Hawkins Rides Again but was mighty surprised that Ron Sexsmith was included in assessment. And, favourably, of course. Lovely stuff, Justin. And Hello to all you other guys/gals, watching :)

[@mikewalker1885]

Speaking with the angels is one of his best songs, written while watching his baby boy sleep, sublime.

[@GordonPavilion]

Ron Sexsmith, regardless of genre, is the gold standard in songwriting.

[@rayhowardesq.2723]

A phenomenal songwriter, a sweetheart of a gentleman and just plain cool!

[@markofish6176]

I hope Ron has received financial reward for his work. The 'Other Songs' album was a wonderful surprise and 'Strawberry Blonde' is a favourite. Thank you Justin for your wonderful speakings about one of my favourite songwriters.

[@g.d.h.]

Your voice on Secret Heart is perfect. I love Get In Line. So many great songs.

[@RavenGuitar]

OMG he's amazing. His Time Being album is once of my top ten. Songs like Snow Angel...Hands of Time... All in Good Time... His concerts are strongly recommended for any musician/songwriter or music lover. Total class act and he's as amazing as you can imagine.

[@CHILDRENOFTHEYEAR]

Love this! I first saw Ron Sexsmith around 10ish years ago on an episode of Songwriters Circle on BBC3. Originally tuned in to see Fran Healy from Travis perform but wow, Ron blew me away and blew everybody else out of the water that night

[@terencecaron2922]

Sexsmith is the Mc Cartney that never became famous. He’s got so many so so many songs that sound like classics. My favorite is « All in good time »

[@runningbeard7380]

I don't think I've ever considered him in light of McCartney's mythic status, but yeah, I do see the possible connections. McCartney didn't linger in the bittersweet in the way Sexsmith does though.

[@seanmcgovern3979]

Elvis Costello has also compared him to McCartney.

[@karstenpuder3605]

@@runningbeard7380 paul is actually a big fan of ron! Ron tells a story about how he was invited over to pauls house, you should check it out.

[@MrBallynally2]

So many great songs McCartney wished he had written or should i say should have written.

[@absea7918]

Great video about an amazing artist. I've liked him since I heard Strawberry Blonde back in 1997. So beautiful, but also so sad, but not hopeless. One of the best. His Twitter feed is a great follow.

[@sgguitar77]

I was so fortunate to see Sexsmith play his first ever concert at Massey Hall here in Toronto,and it was nothing short of sublime. Truly one of the best.

[@mrsasshole]

I saw Ron when he was just starting out 20-some years ago. He was opening for Elvis Costello and I was positively blown away by the man. He held the crowd in the palm of his hand that night. His voice was incredibly powerful yet fragile live and in perfect pitch. I've seen Ron a few times since then and he's an amazing live performer. Sadly, the magic of his songs and his voice doesn't fully come across on his albums, in my opinion. That's not to say his albums aren't wonderful, they are. But there's some magic with that man that only can be experienced with a live show. Thank you Justin for highlighting an artist that deserves a bigger audience.

[@moodlefyful]

Retriever and Cobblestone Runway are fantastic albums!

[@LodvarDude]

Sexsmith is one of the greatest songwriters of our time. Born a little out of time it seems, he really deserves to be heard by more people and have greater success. Alas, we live in the time of instagram-models pretending to be artists dominating the charts. Little room for a true songwriter and complete artists like Sexsmith.

[@PEJKLEJ]

Love Ron Sexsmith... see him live if you can... what he does live cannot be captured on a recording... so good!

[@Unpreeeedictable]

I stumbled across this great RS primer while researching a story I'm going to write about what Ron's songs mean to me. Thanks for introducing Ron's talents to a broader audience. As far as I can tell, he's a poet moonlighting as a musician. Brilliant stuff.

[@hildiesmith2381]

I absolutely love Ron Sexsmith. I've been a fan since his Retriever album. I heard his single Whatever It Takes on the radio and that was me hooked. See him every time he's here in Glasgow

[@Original50]

The quality I like about this channel is that it often gets 'technical' musically-speaking, but it demonstrates that there is under-the-floorboards science to something that is experienced by most as emotionality. Music is magic. Like that G in self-harm...

[@joelblakely5268]

It is so cool that you are a fan. I have loved his music since I first heard him around 2008. He is such an amazing songwriter.

[@briandunleamusic]

"She was not the girl next door, but the girl from around the corner." One of my favourite lines ever. From Strawberry Blonde.

[@mcdonaldgeraldmark]

Hi from Canada. I've seen more Ron Sexsmith shows than any other artist, and they've always been a wonderful experience. Thank you for this video, sir.

[@mikewalker1885]

Been into this guy for over 20 years, he's a genius.

[@rogernetzer1054]

Huge Ron fan. This has jumped up my appreciation and song list. How on Earth my favorite, maybe. What a lyric. What an arrangement. Thank you, Justin darling.

[@MrJezza76]

Not long back i discovered Ron, mind blowing Justin so prolific… traditional and modern, the perfect mix …. Great episode hawky , you have shown me even more classics … chur chur 😊

[@domenicgalata1470]

Gold In Them Hills was the first song of his I heard, and loved him ever since. He is part of the great line of songwriters from Canada, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Gord Downie…

[@carolyncalhoun7555]

Add to that, Jim Cuddy, Greg Keelor, Tom Cochrane, Barney Bentall, Jann Arden, Sass Jordan, Sarah McLachlan, Alanis Morrisette, and Amanda Marshall to name a few! And the guy from Lowest of the Low whose first name escapes me but his last name is Hawkins (perhaps a distant relative!).

[@kcbluemoon]

@@carolyncalhoun7555 I’d add Kathleen Edwards.

[@halfasslash]

Joel Plaskett

[@ChampippleD]

carolyn calhoun You are thinking of Ronnie Hawkins, and he just died a few days ago.

[@ChampippleD]

carolyn calhoun I’d add Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman

[@ChrisWorcestershire]

I was introduced to Ron through Cat Power’s cover of Secret Heart. So glad to see you exposing him to others, love this channel.

[@MrAyla]

I’ve had the good luck of playing a couple festivals with Ron. Class act and as a Canadian songwriter, he’s a huge inspiration and influence. Thanks for sharing him with your peeps cuz!

[@LaneArgue]

Ron is a great songwriter. I used to see him in my neighborhood many times, but never had the nerve to talk to him.

[@mattstetzel4643]

Never heard of this guy, until now! Thank you. I love it when a lover of music and the craft of music drops a bomb on you. Thank you for this channel. I love it. Your are thoughtful, eloquent, humorous and a great communicator. Cheers

[@leadbelly1495]

Check out Ron sings on KZbin he does covers,if you enjoy his voice you are in for a treat I think.

[@projectgolio]

I was in a small bar around 2000 in Toronto watching a show. They did not charge a cover but you could put money in a jar. Ron knew the singer, arrived and tried to put money in the jar. The people at the door were blown away, and wouldn't take his money. Ron was so shy and embarrassed. He just wanted to support his friend. This little moment might be my absolute favorite celebrity spotting moment. In-person he's 1000% the person from the songs.

[@russellsmith5364]

Thanks Justin! You have introduced this music fan to a bunch of new brilliance :)

[@ianrichardson8426]

Time being album is my all time fav..it’s like a best friend that I call up every few years to check in with..that best friend I realize now is my heart.

[@luked3996]

Ron is such a brilliant songwriter.

[@ENGABU1]

Love love love him! Got to see him live in Waterford (about 10 years ago) Mind blowing! Even wrote a song about it!

[@ughaghost]

Can't believe my favourite Ron Sexsmith song isn't on your playlist. Whatever It Takes is such an underappreciated gem.

[@themaelstromnotebook5418]

I'm one of the old fans who was there from the first record. He also has a youtube channel where he plays a bunch of unplugged versions of his stuff and other people's? Heartily recommend it. (I think it's called 'Rawnboy'). Seen him twice or thrice... my best Ron story is that I sent him an email after seeing him at a gig in Osaka, Japan around 1999 telling him how great the gig was. And - rather amazingly - I got a personal email response from Ron himself saying thanks for the email, and saying he was glad I liked the gig. Meraviglioso! Awesome that you're talking about him! You're right... 'he's out there on his own... a modern classic'

[@parkerhatcher224]

I was at the 2005 Juno awards. I think I snagged the last ticket! Great experience. Absolutely incredible. Saw Feist perform, there was an issue with her guitar and they had to cut halfway though. She re-started and I suppose that was the take they used for T.V. But the most amazing surprise, was seeing K.D Lang, barefoot. Performing “Hallelujah”. Took my breath away! Billy Talent took home many awards that year as well. I sat next to Matt Dusk’s aunt! She was over the moon when he won the award he was nominated for. I’ll never forget that night.

[@dommccaffry3802]

i love ron. i cover secret heart myself. And you love richard thompson. you surprise me in the best possible way. Ron is a genius.

[@bourkette8]

God the way you sang that first song was EXCELLENT and I wasn’t aware of him at all ✌🏻❤️

[@ndadson]

The Daniel Lanois produced ‘There’s A Rhythm’ off the first album is my fave Ron song. I’m lucky enough to have seen him live too.

[@DeadInTheFace]

As a Canadian I always heard of Ron Sexsmith, but truly never gave a listen… so this video is a surprise to me.

[@g.d.h.]

Shame. He’s phenomenal.

[@andykuhn9798]

Ron is incredible. Thanks for featuring him!

[@MattMcQueen1]

Thanks for making this video - Ron Sexsmith has enjoyed some success, but nowhere near what he should have. A great songwriter, and I love his delivery. One of my favourite songs of his is Late Bloomer - love the word play. But I'm a late bloomer I'm a slow learner And I've turned the record over I'm a long player My song is my saviour I've got to raise it up As far as my spirit can reach That everyone might see

[@clemlowes9417]

So nice that you are giving Ron Sexsmith his dues. The man is a beautiful songwriter and performer. I have one of his albums and play it front to back. All his songs have meaning.

[@piggycity]

“Just my heart talking” is such the perfect song!

[@shughes1979]

Long time fan as a Canadian. Thanks for shining a light on him.

[@BradExample]

yes Cohen is Canadian. the Poet Laureate of Canada. I met Ron once, the only time i was ever star struck. I opened a coffee shop door, and he was walking out. I shakily said, "Mr. Sexsmith, I really really love your songs... a lot..." he nodded and smiled and walked on past me. it was really amazing... he is a pure genius.

[@Souldoubtrocks]

I love his channel where Aron just leans into the camera and softly plays and sings. Wonderful

[@wwn1970]

I was at an 'evening with' Ron here in Melbourne around a decade ago. I was only a couple of rows back and suggested to him that he might do Wastin' Time, and he looked at me and proclaimed on the mic that he hadn't done it for ages and performed it for me. I was beyond stoked! I've loved him from the beginning and I'm rapt that you do too.

[@wwn1970]

Hahaha!! Correction : I just checked the dates and this event was more like 15 years ago. I'm getting to a ripe old vintage (and loving it).

[@salmonesque]

Love his version of Gerry Rafferty's Right Down The Line. Beautiful voice.

[@OTOss8]

Oh didn't know about this cover. Thank you for mentioning it. I love Gerry Rafferty and will happily listen to three or four albums cover-to-cover, back-to-back.

[@economicalrides]

Ron Sexsmith is an absolute legend. As someone who appreciates well-penned lyrics, I‘m surprised that Saint Bernard didn’t make your list. I suppose you had to draw a line somewhere but Saint Bernard has such wonderfully chosen and witty lyrics that it always makes me smile and yearn for my very own Saint Bernard 🥰 I would say that it is darn near perfect in what it is trying to convey ! Keep up the good work Justin, you make KZbin a brighter place ! 👍

[@prending]

I agree Ron Sexsmith is a phenomenal song writer. Beautiful

[@christopherguse]

Thanks for another great video Justin. Great to see recognition of the great Canadian artists that deserve international recognition moreso than those that usually acquire it. Another Canadian great to check out that usually flies under international radar (Australia aside) is The Tea Party. The band hates the comparison as far as I know, but imagine Led Zeppelin and The Doors had a baby, that's The Tea Party. They're a personal fav of Jimmy Page, he invited them to play at his birthday party.

[@brentdey2244]

My daughters and I love your channel. They got hooked by your Olivia Rodrigo and Stones videos and so have I. You and I have very similar tastes and opinions about music, but this one takes the cake. Ron is one of the best writers out there and one of the nicest guys in the business. Thank you so much for making this video and for spreading the Gospel of Ron!

[@golden454]

Thank you Justin, my musical education and appreciation is expanding ☮️💜🎸

[@Weeeeeeeeeg]

Love Ron! One of your 35 likes here. Saw him play in my town about 15 years ago. I took my knitting to occupy myself as I went alone, didn’t know anyone who knew him. Knitting turned out to be a weird magnet for pervy guys, harassed all evening but still glad I got to see him. His music and voice is so beautiful, honest, something to aspire to ❤️

[@patreetz]

Oh Justin, Im so glad you've posted this. Ron is suuuch a treasure. An amazing songwriter. He is truly a benchmark for songwriters, as are you. Happy dance. 💃 🕺

[@WATTScostumes]

I`m a big fan of your music. Found you about a month ago. You`re the real deal ...Great stuff Man

[@woofdog1525]

As someone who appreciates fantastic arrangements & melodies could you do a video on the music of Nick Drake ✌🏾✌🏾

[@bid84]

And John Martyn!

[@stevebarber899]

As a Canadian and a fan of the chanel I really appreciated this, I've been able to see him live a couple times and it was really amazing, awesome job man!!!!

[@jacobfield4848]

Well thank you for introducing me to Ron Sexsmith. Great song writer.

[@cungar1001]

My favorite album of his is Time Being. Songs about the passing of time. Snow Angel will rip your heart out.

[@anthonybillington3717]

Ron’s last two albums - The Vivian Line, and Hermitage - are as good as anything he’s ever done in an extensive career full of wonders. He deserves to so much more widely appreciated.

[@teebee1869]

Thinking Out Loud, my personal fave, has been on constant rotation throughout my life. Thanks for giving this Canadian living in Berlin have a little taste of home. Ron sat at my bar often - I was always a bit star struck and he was always very nice about it.

[@Dreyno]

“Just My Heart Talkin’” is a masterpiece and I will fight any man that says otherwise 😬

[@MeTheHead]

“Feel For The Driver” absolutely wrecks me every time 😭

[@oxsila]

That and Snow Angel :'(

[@tho2ea]

Yes! I love Ron's stuff too! He's a cross between Paul McCartney and Warren Zevon just amazing... I really can't live without his words and the music now, singer songwriters especially move me, people like him and Robyn Hitchcock... It's really strange It's like I owe these guys (and gals) and others a debt I can never hope to repay but hey, music will do that.

[@TW-vl4wj]

I've been a fan of Ron's for a long time.. he's fantastic

[@kirk43]

Love that you have a video about Ron Sexsmith! He is a treasure, for sure.

[@CosmicHobo2]

Would also recommend David Scott of the Pearlfishers for this gorgeous, classic, almost Brill Building style of songwriting.

[@johnnygoldbug]

I LOVE Ron Sexsmith. Other Songs is my favorite album with "Strawberry Blonde" being my favorite of his songs. His first album is just as good though. "God Loves Everyone" is fantastic too.

[@erikwilliamsen2830]

Been a huge fan of his since Whereabouts. Just an amazing songwriter and singer. His voice is just so tender and gorgeous.

[@whatsjamieupto352]

Ginger Wildheart…..is actually the greatest songwriter of our time my friend, loving your work x

[@nuni6158]

Going to check out the playlist. Thanks for the introduction mr Hawkins.

[@EdPettersen]

So spot on. Sexsmith is grossly underrated. Bravo to you for spotlighting his music.

[@optimalforager]

He is such a wonderful songwriter. It has been a while since I listened to one of hos records, but you inspired me to pull out the records of his that I have. Thanks.

[@caroltrendall63]

I have loved Ron Sexsmith for more than 20 years and it's so wonderful to hear someone else talking about him with such warmth. Thank you. I enjoy all of your videos, but this one especially.

[@paulwilson3521]

Absolutely fantastic content and thank you Justin!

[@gene7767]

We used to watch Ron when he was 16, playing Beatle songs in the local bars in his home town. We might still have some of his first CD’s that we would buy from him as he started writing his own material.

[@recyclerking1]

Ronnie is a friend of mine and feel blessed to know him he is very kind and humble .

[@howardanderson3061]

Thanks for turning me onto such a brilliant artist/songwriter. Those Canadians are definetly kick ass songwriters, going way back, we have Neil Young and Joni Mitchell I’m sure there are many more. I really love your show🙏

[@garrymcgregor5465]

Another incredibly talented Canadian Ian Thornley, great singer,great guitarist and brilliant songwriter

[@paulhancock1530]

Went to see Ron play the other night in Nantwich, Uk. A night I will never forget, so long as I shall live. Top notch.

[@acrowdofone6075]

Sooo glad you're covering Ron Sexsmith. A favourite of mine for a long time.

[@josephinerimmer6888]

The first time I heard Secret Heart I got goosebumps all over me. Such a beautiful song sung by a beautiful soul.

[@BrockBarr]

Serving the world of excellence, Mr Justin Hawkins. Yourself included. May you ride for the longest of times.