If there's a record store in heaven, Ron Rooks is probably swapping tales with the angel at the counter about procuring rare 7" singles from all around the world, maybe even the universe.
Today's late-breaking news on the music scene is that the legendary gonzo owner of the Music Exchange has died. The Pitch has received confirmation from Rooks' family.
When I heard the rumor around 4:30 p.m. today, my first thought was to head to Dave's Stagecoach Inn. Rooks referred to Dave's as the north branch of his office, back when his store was on Broadway, and also at its first location across the street from the popular Westport dive. Walking in, I half expected to see Rooks sitting at the bar, a handful of Keno cards spread out in front of him (he was famously addicted to the lottery bingo game), raffishly telling his fellow patrons that reports of his death had been greatly exaggerated. Instead, just about everybody said it was true — he was indeed terminally late for his date with a cold drink and some jukebox tunes.
When I saw him last, back in May of this year, he was setting up shop in the West Bottoms, having been driven out of his Westport location by high overhead. He talked of persevering and having found new energy to start again. He also made more than a few references to a nasty fall off a ladder he'd had the previous Christmas Eve that had made him reconsider putting the business to bed once and for all.
Ron knew his music. The day I spoke with him in May, I watched him point a techno DJ directly to the boxes where the dance music 12-inches were being kept in his still-unpacked new store. The guy never failed to amaze, both in his capacity for reckless behavior and in his ability to stay squarely on top of the music world.
The crowd at Dave's today was definitely affected. It seemed that people were either wrinkling their brows at the news or taking the opportunity to remember a few colorful stories of Rooks. One woman was in tears.
Spend some time down at Dave's this week. Drop Rooks' name and ask for some stories (though you probably won't even have to ask — the stories will pretty much pour out). And as soon as we know anything about a memorial service or, better yet, an ass-wild party to commemorate him, we'll let you know.
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What a bummer to wait for six months to visit TME and find that Ron has passed onward. I feel he could just show up like a Pheonix from his previous sabaticals only to take up again bizzarre bents on conversations we left in the belly of the Westport beast dozens of years before on any day any time over a smugglled 6 pack of Heinekin or whatever. I am sorry I wasn't in town sooner.
John
Oh goodness, time flies... just learning of Ron's passing and am deeply sadenned by the loss of such a fun soul. I met Ron when I graduated high school in 1992 and my dad brought me in to the store to try and get me a job. several years later I met up with him at the annual pig roast, a toga theme that year, at least Ron thought so and wore the appropriate attire. We laughed at how great of friend's he and my dad, Stan, were; and now we were meeting again on my own turf, we shared a hug and he welcomed me to the scene... anyhow, I hope Ron and Stan are out there spinning records and enjoying some heavenly jukebox out there. It's hard to be away from the scene and hear about this stuff from a distance, but my wishes are with Ron's family and friends. He will be missed.
Sara
Ron and Rick and I hung out alot in the old days early 70s in westport we roamed the streets at night when it was safe , I havent seen him in years and I am truly sorry about that . I hope to see some old friends this weekend at the Uptown..Jill Miller
There will be a memorial visitation at Muehlback Funeral Home at 68th and Troost from 6pm to 9pm on Friday, September 8. Ron's family will be there for those who wish to pay their respects. There will also be forthcoming information as to a memorial celebration of Ron's life to take place on the following Saturday.
I worked at the old Exchange many, many moons ago and Ron (and Nancy) were always good to me and even bailed me out of jail a time or two - he was a great man, the stories will live on, and I will miss him. -Dave Mika
I Just got the news down in Tahlequah Oklahoma about Ron. I was planning on comming up in a few weeks and I can't believe I won't be able to stop by and see Ron always one of the stops I look forward to. Boy what a past few year first it was Stan Koran and now Ron two of my best music buds and favorit people on the planet. Keep us all informed please. I will be up with in hours of any activity that honors Ron. Tom
As many did, I played with Ron at nightspots for many years. I knew him a little bit; liked him a lot. We slow-danced one night at the Grand Emporium, and staged an elaborate pro-wrestling-esq fight with beer bottles at another establishment.
I saw him last Wednesday night at Knuckleheads, where he claimed to be releasing the long-awaited 10-volume CD set of immortal "Three Businessmen" performances. Hmmm...
He knew a lot and, beneath the grin and the wisecrack, cared a lot. He worked and played well. Bye, Ron
from the time they met in grade school and became best friends, ron and my brother rick were too smart, too adventurous, too daring for their own good.......but they both probably got a lot more our of their short lives than the rest of us, the 'watchers', ever will. ron was like another little brother to me.....and now he and rick are together again.....i wonder what kind of trouble they're getting into in the new venue....
The news of Ron Rooks most recent release into the Universe has reached both coast lines. Ron & Fam have been a huge part of the Juneau family for many years.
I was stunned to learn of the news. Ron is proof positive that one doesn't have to choke their neck off with a suit and tie, and Nancy proof that women can survive the most horrific of times with grace, (or in Ron's case... whatever one would call it) and be a success.
I'm sorry he didn't have the opportunity to weld together the huge metal objects, I'm certain they would have been wonderfully questionable.
I would say I can't believe he isn't here anymore, but he would hate my guts for that so I won't.
I had the privilege of being a part of Ron's extremely bazaar existence on many levels. For this I will always be extremely grateful.
In Ron's way he provided much for the Kansas City community. He loved what he did no matter what it was. Most of all he adored shock value and all of the wonderful gratification that came to him personally in providing such a wonderful community service!
No matter in what way Ron made his transition, the emptiness that is left with us is amazing. What we do with the Ron Rooks experience ( for those of us who knew him on any level at all)...how we use it, view it, make it part of our history, let it go--or not,can be a growth experience if we simply allow it.
Nancy, Ron, I will keep you close with regard to this most recent transition. I believe Ron will have finally reached a level he's been in search of for most of his time on the earth plane. Time and space mean nothing to us.... we just know.
I haven't been home for eight years, I miss Kansas City, Ron is a huge part of that place for me personally and of course to my family.
Nancy,if there is anything I can do for the family in commemoration of Ron, a gift or donation I can give, an insane story I can tell , anything at all, just contact one of the Remaining Business Men. I'll get the message and I'll be there in any way I can be.
Ron will always be with us, his... is simply an energy that will never be gone. Never a Good Bye to Ron Rooks, only a so long, my friend, I'm certain we'll meet again.
Love You Always,
Moslem Madonna
What can I say? I was there from his purchase of The Music Exchange until the century turned to about late 2001 and I was only working there 3 hours a week. He fired me then, heh!
We were deep friends, always.
Dig deep and you have a real story.
Bill "Stretch" Osment
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