Ronny Cates


Ronny Cates is a Christian musician, producer, and songwriter. He is most remembered for being the bassist of legendary Christian rock band Petra during their most prolific years.

Early life

Cates went to Caddo Parish Magnet High School in Shreveport. He was involved in the school jazz band where he developed his bass skills. He graduated in 1983 and started playing in several places.

Petra

Cates joined Petra in 1988 recording numerous albums with the band. During this period, the band won three Grammy Awards and nine Dove Awards. Cates left the band in 1996 to dedicate to a career producing and recording. As the bass player for the group, Cates also enjoyed song writing for the band. Adding to the accomplishments during the Petra years was his being voted "Favorite Bass Player" for five consecutive years in a readers poll given by the leading Christian music magazine CCM. Ronny enjoyed 8 years with this band, leaving in 1996. A few years later, Petra, with Cates, was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. In the years after he left the band, Cates has contributed with them in several occasions filling the bassist spot in some presentations.

Producing and Songwriting

In 1997, Ronny began engineering and producing full-time. Working at Mirror Image Studios in Gainesville, Florida provided a great environment to work with established national artists, as well as local talent. During his years there, he was interviewed and quoted for Electronic Musician magazine in an article entitled "Taming The Wild Piano," which told of his concepts and techniques for recording piano.
He also was honored to serve on the Board of Governors for the Florida Chapter of The Recording Academy, the organization best known for The Grammy Awards. The highlight of this time was being voted First Vice President of The Florida Chapter for two terms in office. In addition, he was also honored to be involved with Stop Children's Cancer and The Children's Wish Foundation.

Endorsements

Ronny Cates has endorsed Tobias Basses, Hamer Basses, Kubicki Basses, Peavey, Trace Elliot Amplification, Ernie Ball Strings, Epiphone Guitars, and Music Man Basses.

Collaboration

Musicians

Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite - Elvis Presley

Record Companies

Currently, Ronny is the Technical Director for Broadmoor Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana.