This historically important article published in the
"Oshkosh Northwestern",
6-16-2005, p. B1, was previously available at:
http://www.wisinfo.com/northwestern/news/features/stories/features_21415395.shtml,
but sadly it was deleted by the paper.
Inspiration comes to all of us from a number of sources.
It may be from a parent, brother or sister, a professional athlete or
someone in the political arena.
Oshkosh resident
Ron Fisher found his niche in music more than 50 years
ago. Fisher's folksy, down-to-earth singing has been sparked by the late
country singer Box Car Willie.
"I've always liked Box Car Willie and I still do. I like his singing
and his personality", Fisher said. "I used to live by the railroad tracks,
but that really doesn't have anything to do with it."
While Box Car Willie is an icon as a country singer, Fisher has also
done well as a local entertainer. He recently celebrated 25 years as
Railroad Ron.
He comes prepared with a smile, a soothing voice and his trademark
railroad cap. Over the years, Fisher has been a solo-entertainer as
Railroad Ron where he plays everything on his orchestrated keyboard from
the "Beer Barrel Polka" to "Waltz Across Texas" and the "Wabash Cannon
Ball".
Marshfield resident Russ Flaminio was among a crowd of people who
attended a celebration at Fisher's home to honor him for his 25 years as
Railroad Ron. Flaminio said he shared a stage two years ago with Railroad
Ron at the Central Wisconsin State Fair in Marshfield.
"He plays all the old favorite songs we adults like to listen to and
always has them bobbing their heads and tapping their toes", Flaminio
said. "He also has a good song selection."
Oshkosh resident Rhonda Munoz listened intently to Railroad Ron, who
performed at the celebration. She said he is sincere and loving, which he
portrays through his music.
"He's just a good entertainer," Munoz said.
Fisher said he's been part of numerous bands over the years and is
adept at playing the guitar, keyboard, bass and accordion. He started with
the Rock-A-Billy's believed to be one of the first country bands in
Oshkosh. Fisher, who turns 69 on Sunday, has also played with the Tune
Twisters, Ranch Hands and the Stardusters.
Fisher said he started as Railroad Ron in a gig at Stella's Bar in
Appleton. His musical talents mushroomed over the years and he's played at
wedding receptions, retirement homes, church picnics and boat cruises. Hes
scheduled to play from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Sacred Heart
Catholic Church picnic in Oshkosh.
His musical talents have reached outside Oshkosh. Fisher once played
in a show with the late country legend Johnny Cash at The Mint in Las
Vegas and has a photo to prove it. Fisher said he first met Cash in the
late 1950s when the entertainer played at the Eagles Club in Oshkosh
before he became a household name in the music industry.
"I talked to Cash quite a few times just to get to know him," Fisher
said. "He was a nice guy."
Fisher, who years ago managed a pizza business, said he has no plans
to retire as Railroad Ron.
"I keep doing this because I love it and I love being with people," he
said.
Doug Zellmer