Ralph’s career began during his high school days in Fort Worth, Texas, absorbing musical influences from the likes of Jim Kweskin, Pete Seeger, The Brothers Four, and Sergio Mendez & Brasil ’66, and the comedy influences of Stan Freberg and Laurel & Hardy. Ralph was known in the coffeehouses for his impish wit and ease at improvising songs, as well as his guitar, harmonica and vocal skills. From the start his interest included the stage and screen and before he left Texas, he had performed in two productions at the prestigious Casa Mañana Theater in-the-round.

A gifted songwriter, Ralph is well known for his sensitive voice as well as his guitar and harmonica (echo & chromatic) skills. He thoughtfully renders the ballads, love songs, novelty songs, and the intricate moods of such writers as Jesse Winchester, Tom Waits, Jerry Jeff Walker, Willis Alan Ramsey, Joey Spampimato, Terry Adams,  Michael Smith, Michel Legrand, and Sergio Medes.

In 1992 Ralph released his first CD project: “It’s About Time!”. The CD features five of his songs, two covers and several songs by close friends. With its impressive array of top-notch musicians, it is an excellent introduction to Ralph’s world.

In November of 1998 released his second CD, the self produced, "Seeking The Barber of Seville" on his own label, Arch & Hold Recording Company. This album features five songs written by Ralph as well as his own arrangements of two traditional songs and his interpretations of seven “covers”. 

With the release of the CD, “Tribute” (November of 2010) one can now hear the influence of this  work.  Ralph is joined by Tim Gilson, Carlton Jackson , guitarist Anson Wright (on one song) and Chris Kokesh (on one song).  On this slow paced and smooth CD, Ralph has covered songs by NRBQ, Terry Adams, Stephen Bruton, Al Anderson, Sharon Vaughn, and Charles Strouse.  There are also four of Ralph’s original songs on this charming recording.


When you see Ralph you will enjoy his folksy style, but don’t just expect folk music. You will hear many popular styles including Rag Time, Jazz Influenced Ballads, a bit of country, Irish folk, TV and movie themes and much, much more.