Topic: Ronnie White

Ronald "Ronnie" White (April 5, 1939 - August 26, 1995) was an African American soul singer and songwriter, notable as a founding member of The Miracles, and the only member to survive all of that group's lineup changes. He is also noted as the man who actually discovered Stevie Wonder, then White's 11-year-old neighbor, and brought him to the attention of Motown head Berry Gordy Jr.

A childhood friend of fellow Miracle William "Smokey" Robinson, White and Robinson began singing together in grade school. They released a few side singles while with the Miracles as a duo called "Ron & Bill", and White collaborated with Robinson on several of his most notable compositions, including The Temptations' hit "Don't Look Back" and their #1 hit "My Girl"; Marvin Gaye's Top-10 hit, "Ain't That Peculiar"; and Mary Wells' Top-10 smash, "You Beat Me To The Punch". As of early 2009, White is the only original member of The Miracles that is now deceased, having succumbed to leukemia at the age of 57 in 1995. His first wife, Earlyn, with whom he had 2 daughters , succumbed to breast cancer several years before. For this reason, he did not participate in the reunion of the Miracles on the 1983 NBC television special:Motown 25: Yesterday,Today,Forever.

In August 1995, Ronald White lost his battle with leukemia, the same disease which claimed the life of his first born, Michelle, a loss which devastated the entire family many years prior. White is survived by his second wife,Gloria, daughter Pamela White English , and son Ronnie White II. He was preceded in death by daughter Michelle Lynn White.