We Speak Music
Son Stone To Release New Single “Old Fashioned” On May 1, 2025
A Boozy Hook, A Passionate Riff, And An All-Too Common Love Story Fuel This Electric Folk-Rock Track
Acclaimed songwriter, poet, and humorist Son Stone (Ben Diamond) returns with a brand-new single titled “Old Fashioned,” dropping May 1, 2025. The track is a bluesy, boozy romp through a love story sparked by whiskey, wit, and wild musical chemistry.
Co-written with Son Stone’s lead guitarist Dan Doll, “Old Fashioned” was born during an impromptu jam session that turned into something more. “We were drinking and jamming at Dan’s house when he told me to take a lead on a song,” recalls Ben. “I’m not a lead player, but I played a lead anyway. Afterwards he said, ‘That was really passionate!’ I told him, ‘One part passion and three parts alcohol.’ That was our hook!”
What followed was one of the fastest songs Ben had ever written. The story? A boy meets a girl, she’s not interested—until alcohol opens the door to a passionate and co-dependent relationship. Raw, witty, and tongue-in-cheek, “Old Fashioned” is as emotionally unfiltered as it is musically tight.Son Stone is known for crafting songs with the wit of John Prine and the grit of Tom Waits, and “Old Fashioned” is no exception. The Long Island-based artist has penned over 200 songs across genres—folk, rock, blues, pop, Hawaiian slack key, and fingerstyle instrumentals—and continues to push creative boundaries with each release.
Ben has shared stages with legends like Jorma Kaukonen (Hot Tuna / Jefferson Airplane) and David Gans (Grateful Dead historian and SiriusXM host). His work has appeared in American Songwriter magazine, and his band, Son Stone, remains a staple on the New York music scene, performing regularly at venues such as My Father’s Place, LIMEHOF, The Landmark Theater, The Bitter End, and the Fiddle & Folk Festival this coming September.
Following the release of his long-awaited ninth album in March 2024, Son Stone is gearing up for the release of a full-band rock album this June. But first, he’s raising a glass to “Old Fashioned”—a track that proves a good story, a strong hook, and a little alcohol can go a long way.
“Old Fashioned” will be available on all streaming platforms on May 1, 2025.
A Soulful Celebration of Life’s Defining Moments Told Through Southern Soul, Blues, and R&B
Southern Soul singer and songwriter Ronnie Bell returns with a heartfelt and groove-filled new album, Moments in Time Pt. 1: Cookout Classics—a musical tribute to life’s most memorable moments, blending bluesy storytelling, smooth R&B vibes, and good old-fashioned soul.
More than just a collection of songs, Moments in Time Pt. 1: Cookout Classics is a living, breathing soundtrack to the human experience. Each track reflects a universal milestone—from love and heartbreak to family gatherings and hard-won triumphs. With his signature falsetto and unmatched Southern charm, Ronnie Bell brings listeners into his world, offering a nostalgic journey that’s as joyful as it is healing.
“This album is about celebrating the moments that shape us,” says Bell. “Whether you’re dancing at a family reunion, learning a hard lesson in love, or reflecting on the people you’ve lost—these songs are here to remind you that you’re not alone.”
Tracklist & Themes Include:
“Family Reunion Groove” – A celebration of togetherness, capturing the magic of summer cookouts and the energy of multi-generational love.
“Birthday Blues” – A reflective, soulful number about growing older and embracing the wisdom that comes with it.
“Lotto Love” – A fun, upbeat track about finding the jackpot in love, not just luck.
“Lesson in Love” – A ballad on heartbreak, healing, and the growth that follows.
“Barbecue & Blues” – A laid-back groove paying homage to the simple joys of food, music, and fellowship.
“First Slow Dance” – A tender ode to young love and unforgettable firsts.
“Uncle’s Wisdom” – A storytelling song filled with life advice from a beloved elder.
“Winning Season” – A triumphant anthem about rising above struggles and stepping into your purpose.
“Sunday Morning Redemption” – A gospel-infused message of hope, grace, and new beginnings.
“Goodbye Ain’t Forever” – A powerful tribute to lost loved ones and the enduring nature of love.
A Love Letter to Southern Culture
Deeply rooted in the Southern Black experience, Moments in Time Pt. 1: Cookout Classics feels like sitting on the porch with family, smelling ribs on the grill, and reliving your life through song. Ronnie Bell masterfully intertwines vivid storytelling, infectious rhythms, and generational wisdom into a project that resonates across age and background.
Born and raised in Walker, Louisiana, Ronnie “RnB” Bell’s music journey began at just five years old singing in church. Influenced by legends like Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, and John P. Kee, Bell developed a style rooted in tradition yet brimming with fresh energy. From performing with George Perkins and the Voices of Harmony as a teenager to collaborating with Southern University’s Marching Band and Concert Choir, Bell’s early experiences laid the foundation for a remarkable career.
He gained national attention with his breakout hit “Cotton Candy”, and has since shared stages with the likes of Patti LaBelle, Erykah Badu, The Manhattans, Sir Charles Jones, and Brian McKnight. Since 2019, Bell has been a mainstay on the Blues Is Alright Tour, known for his soul-stirring performances and undeniable charisma.
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