When it comes to jazz, blues and funk, no one knows good music quite like Ronnie Laws. He has been a well-respected name in the music industry for years and provides fans with a sound like no other. He was born in Houston, Texas in 1950, and music was a big part in his life from a young age. At the age of 11, he picked up the alto saxophone and taught himself how to play. He had good company in his family with his brother being jazz flautist Hubert Laws and his sisters, Eloise and Debra, both being singers. He originally wanted to be a professional baseball player, but an eye injury made him refocus on music. He threw himself fully into becoming the best saxophonist he could while also attending college.After college, Laws set up residence in Los Angeles in 1970 and started working alongside The Jazz Crusaders, High Masakela, Walter Bishop, Jr. and Doug Cann. Later, he joined the legendary soul group Earth, Wind and Fire for two years, playing both the tenor and the soprano saxophone. Leaving Earth, Wind and Fire meant the opportunity for Laws to pursue a solo career. With the help of Donald Byrd, he soon got a deal with Blue Note Records and released Pressure Sensitive in 1975. By the time he released Fever in 1976, Laws was loved by some but was also drawing attention from some traditional jazz critics for his music not staying within the traditional style of jazz.Laws persevered on despite the criticism, and released Friends and Strangers in 1977. He switched labels throughout the 1980s and 1990s, releasing numerous hit albums like True Spirit, Brotherhood, Mr. Nice Guy, Identity and Natural Laws. Around the end of the 1990s, Laws signed with HDH Records and released Dream a Little in 2000. That album, along with 2004's Everlasting, made it onto the jazz charts and showed the Laws still has what it takes to create great jazz.
