Dramatics founder died of a heart attack Thursday

March 5, 2010 By 9 Comments

American singer Ron Banks of the soul vocal group The Dramatics sadly died of a heart attack on Thursday, at Detroit’s Sinai Hospital. The Detroit native – who was a founding member of the group back in the 1960’s – was only 58 at the time of his death.

Fellow Dramatics member L.J. Reynolds – also of Detroit – said “It caught us by surprise.” He went on to say that the group has gigs to fulfill, and said that they will be performing them including a concert on Saturday, at the Westbury Music Festival in New York.

Dramatics founder died of a heart attack Thursday

“We still have to go to New York tomorrow night,” Reynolds said. He also added that if it was him, he’d want the other members to go ahead, and thinks that Banks would feel the same. Reynolds said they will take Ron’s microphone, and just leave it standing on stage.

Reynolds was only 18, when he met Ron Banks and The Dramatics backstage at the Apollo Theater. At that time they were having problems with their lead singer, Reynolds claims. A year after, Reynolds got with the group and ended up doing 38 Top 10 R&B singles.

According to detnews.com, Banks is survived by his wife Sandy, and his six children. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all his friends and family, at this very sad time.

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  • James

    God bless the family of Ron Banks. I think the age, however may be a mistake. I can't imagine him founding the group when he was 8, 9, or 10.

    Peace and blessings!

  • Palmer

    RIP Ron…You will be missed…

  • Ron

    James, he would have been 14 years old in 1965. He was born in 1951. The group formed in the later 60's. Hope that clears up the chronology.

    God bless the Banks Family.

  • Natalie

    Ron Banks was our neighbor years ago in Detroit. He was a very good friend of the White Family on Taylolr street . His family will be in our prayers. Love, Natalie, Barbara, Norman,Ezell, Diane and Marvin White.

  • Natalie

    It was 1968 I was 6 years old when my uncle and his friend Ron Banks started singing he was 16. His mother use to give us bags of candy when we visited . Ron you will be missed. Natalie

  • NORMA J. DAVIS

    MY , MY MY , WHAT A GOOD SINGING AND DANCING BROTHER GONE, BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN.

    THE DRAMATICS IS ONE OF THE BEST GROUP AROUND I WOULD PUT THEM ON THE SAME LEVEL AS THE MIGHTY TEMPTATIONS, BECAUSE THEY DESERVE TO BE. I'VE SEEN THEM PERFORM OVE R 15 TIMES IN MY LIFE AND I CAN SURLY SAY THAT EVERYTIME JUST GOT BETTER AND BETTER..

    I AM SURE THAT HE WILL BE MISSED BY HIS FAMILY AND FREIND I WIL KEEP THEM ALL IN MY PRAYERS.

    LET'S GIVE A TOAST TO RON BANKS……………………………….

    NORMA J.

  • Billamarie Hatcher

    Another "Fanastic & Wonderful Entertainer" has passed on to a better place, may he find much Love & Peace in the Lord's House…….He will be Missed…..but never Forgotten…..because the Brother was an AWESOME singer and dancer……..GOD BLESS YOU RON!!!!!!

  • edward carr

    I will miss brother Ron Banks I really appreciated his voice an the group very unique. I can remember when they would come to Los Angsles I was able to meet with him & LJ at a former friends house and we would sit an conversate, drink wine and listen to some music, it was really a cool time. believe me folks those guys were really nice people to hang out with. God speed to the Banks family & The Dramatics Troupers in thier own right to understand that the show must go on regardless. EddieBob

  • Will

    I'm only 41 but my older siblings listened to and had all of the Dramatics LPs back in the '70s. As a result, I'm a fan. Detroit and the world will miss Mr. Banks one great talent who's great body of work will live on with us all. God Bless.