Ronald W. Simpson

Ronald W. Simpson completed a BA Music in August 1983. He currently works as the General Manager of Tantara Records, a division of the School of Music.

Simpson came to BYU after two decades in the music industry, first as a musician and songwriter, and later as a studio owner, label head, music publisher, composer, arranger, and producer. He has written for records, films, commercials, and musical theater. He received the Creative Works Award from BYU in 1999, and a Certificate of Recognition from the College of Fine Arts and Communications in 2001, both for his work as General Manager of Tantara Records.

At BYU he continues to teach songwriting and media composition and to administer academic programs in media music and sound recording. He produces music for BYU's touring shows The Living Legends and The Young Ambassadors.

Simpson received music industry honors in 1992, 1993, and 2001 as publisher of the hit song, "Norma Jean Riley," which was recorded by the group Diamond Rio on Arista Records.

After 27 years of invaluable service to BYU, Simpson announced in May 2011 that he would retire shortly before Fall 2011.

News Links

• The Daily Universe - YA associate director to retire (17 May 2011)
• The Daily Universe - Q&A with Young Ambassadors associate director Ron Simpson (18 May 2011)
• The Daily Universe - Young Ambassadors share talents in Midwest (23 June 2010)
• BYU Magazine - Cougar Tracks: It Starts With a Song (Fall 2009)
• The Daily Universe: Record Label Helps BYU to Promote its Musical Program

References

• Rogers, Brittany Karford. “Encyclopedia of Musical Alumni.” BYU Magazine. 2007. Brigham Young University. 28 Dec 2007. <http://magazine.byu.edu/?act=view&a=2085>.