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

[@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.

[@charleswalker3781]

I think you'd be heard pressed to find a sadder song. Amanda, her story is devastating, but it ends on a hopeful note with her daughter. Ron's quite the storyteller.

[@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

[@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.

[@ceciliawilson6328]

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

[@Michael64425]

Mr Ron is one of the greatest songwriters of the 21st century It’s sort of unbelievable he isn’t more celebrated.❤

[@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

[@spiderriff]

Glorious!

[@CharlesWillisBonsai]

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

[@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

[@josephinerimmer6888]

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

[@briandunleamusic]

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

[@GameSetAndMatch.]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@mikewalker1885]

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

[@piggycity]

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

[@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.

[@Majic88888]

Strawberry Blonde is a gem. Cheap Hotel. Clown in Broad Daylight. He’s a legend.

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@rayhowardesq.2723]

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

[@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.

[@alisonyoungsax]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@troytempest290]

Without even listening I hope he’s talking about Believe it when I see it. A wordsmith in the ilk of Elvis Costello.

[@PEJKLEJ]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@themaelstromnotebook]

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'

[@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 😊

[@OilCanHarry2U]

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

[@moodlefyful]

Retriever and Cobblestone Runway are fantastic albums!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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...

[@prending]

I agree Ron Sexsmith is a phenomenal song writer. Beautiful

[@g.d.h.]

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

[@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.

[@timytimeerased]

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.

[@ughaghost]

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

[@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.

[@GlennRichardsMusic]

My brother helped me out with the Bon Jovi vid (gosh), then fully enabled me with the Jellyfish one, and from there to here for beautiful Ron. Obviously there's a Maiden episode somewhere, and Queen is hovering over the lot of it, all of which is a drunk night in my studio really. Justin, you are doing the Devil's work, which we all know is the best work. Thanks for these man, amazing. From Hobart x

[@glenrotchin5523]

Think of Joni, Neil, Gordon, Leonard, and now Ron. Man do Canadians know how to write great songs.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 ❤️

[@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.

[@clemlowes2112]

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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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).

[@ENGABU1]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@shughes1979]

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

[@mikewalker1885]

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

[@gordmclean]

We just saw him perform back in March or so. The show was rescheduled from May 2020 due to C19. It was probably the 6th or 7th time we have seen him perform, always excellent, partially because he is in small venues. Check out the documentary "Love Shines" which is focused on recording of that record with Bob Rock as producer.

[@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. 💃 🕺

[@craigf.5855]

His music is the epitome of peace and harmony. Some prefer to unwind and drift away with a drink or a joint... put one of Ron's albums on and enjoy the celestial journey.

[@acrowdofone6075]

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

[@Sharkpuss]

One of the greatest. Esp ‘Strawberry Blonde’. Now THAT makes me cry.

[@rockinpelmet]

One of the all time greats ❤

[@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 ! 👍

[@erikwilliamsen2830]

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

[@withershin]

Long before I knew anything music I can remember my good friend (who couldn't read music for his life) playing a John Lennon tune (sorry don't remember which song) and said, "Oh John you dirty bastard it's a ". We went to Ron Sexsmith shows back in the Toronto music scene say a decade ago. Watching you trying to figure out notes/chords/whatevs from memory brought me right back to my time with Clifford. Behind the curtain there (might) be sun.

[@russellsmith5364]

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

[@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.

[@EdPettersen]

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

[@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

[@backhandecho7214]

Have been a huge fan of Ron for many many years. Not just because I'm Canadian lol. He's hugely underrated and surprisingly not as known as he deserves. Thanks for taking the time to say a few words about Canadian songwriters as well. Being one myself its greatly appreciated. Cheers. ✌🏻️

[@YoutubeAccount-gk3gn]

“Hard Bargain” magnificent! “God Loves Everyone” magnificent! …

[@rossedwardmusic]

Lovely to see Justin Hawkins giving this man the recognition and praise he deserves, phenomenal songwriter.

[@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.

[@luked3996]

Ron is such a brilliant songwriter.

[@kindcreative1]

Favorite Canadian singer/songwriters + bands: Frazey Ford, Kathleen Edwards, and The Tragically Hip (rip Gord Downey g.o.a.t.)

[@FutureAbe]

I’ve loved Ron Sexsmith for over 10 years. “Long Player Late Bloomer” is very much the soundtrack of the summer of 2011 for me.

[@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.

[@kirk43]

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

[@cfcuker]

I spent a year in Canada, so dark cold and miserable over their long dark winters, I reckon that's where the morose soulfulness of so many Canadian artists comes from.

[@jacobfield4848]

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

[@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.

[@johnsweeney9229]

Long time fan. Also great person. He used to come to my high school drama classes to talk about poetry and lyrics. AND THE BEAUTIFUL SONGS.

[@andykuhn9798]

Ron is incredible. Thanks for featuring him!

[@BrockBarr]

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

[@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 .

[@Souldoubtrocks]

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

[@thestateofartgrimsby421]

I teach Cheap Hotel to my song writing students. My interpretation is that in one breath she shates the hotel as it symbolises the failures of her life so far, in the next breath she loves the hotel because it's actually become her refuge. She simultaneously loves and hates it for different reasons.

[@fionamckelvie1526]

Discovered him during lockdown, via a KZbin video songwriters circle. Then saw him live in Glasgow in March, great gig.

[@edmundau-yeung9598]

Ron Sexsmith brilliant singer song writer really underrated.