‘Old School’: Ronnie Leatherman’s First Solo Album, Featuring His Own Reflections

Ronnie Leatherman, the legendary bassist from the classic 13th Floor Elevators line-up, has released his first solo album. Leatherman holds the distinction of playing on all three of the band’s studio albums.

---

For die-hard fans of the 13th Floor Elevators, Ronnie Leatherman needs no introduction. As the bassist in the iconic psychedelic rock band, Leatherman’s fluid basslines shaped the sound of a generation. Yet, despite his pivotal role in the band, Ronnie’s own creative journey took a backseat for decades. Enter ‘Old School’—Leatherman’s long-awaited solo debut, and a vivid testament to his decades of musical history. Recently, Justin Jackley had the privilege of catching up with Leatherman over the phone to discuss the creation of ‘Old School,’ the album’s inspiration, and his remarkable journey that brought him back into the spotlight.

“We were just making music”

The title track, ‘Old School,’ sets the tone of the album. “I wrote it sitting around at home,” Leatherman told me. “I just got to thinking one day, and it came out real quick. It felt like the culmination of years of playing and writing, going all the way back to the 60s.” Reflecting on how his life and experiences had shaped the song, Leatherman described it as a tribute to his roots—a celebration of old-school blues and rock.

The song ‘Coming Day’ has an even more storied history. Written in 1968, it was originally intended for ‘Bull of the Woods,’ the third studio album of the 13th Floor Elevators. The song was never submitted but finds new life on ‘Old School,’ bridging Leatherman’s past with his present in a way that is deeply poignant. “It felt like the right time to bring it out into the world,” he shared. “It was always there in the back of my mind, and finally, I found the right moment.”

One of the highlights of our conversation was hearing Leatherman talk about the international gigs he played in support of ‘Old School.’ Charly Records arranged for him to tour Europe, assembling a band of notable musicians from acts like Primal Scream and Bat for Lashes. “I couldn’t believe it,” Leatherman said with excitement. “I thought it was going to be one band, but they brought guys from all different groups—Chris Mackin, Charlie Salvidge, Matt Wood—these guys were amazing. I had a blast with them, and they were really nice guys.”

Leatherman’s enthusiasm for the European tour was infectious. “We played Holland, France, England… The last gig was in London, and it was incredible. Paul Drummond (author of Eye Mind, the definitive biography of the 13th Floor Elevators) showed us around. We saw places where the Yardbirds and Pink Floyd rehearsed, did the Abbey Road walk—everything. It was like stepping back in time.”

For those familiar with the highs and lows of Leatherman’s time with the Elevators, hearing him talk about this European adventure was a stark contrast. Decades earlier, disillusionment had set in as the band struggled with promotion, leading to his departure. Yet, ‘Old School’ and the new experiences that came with it seemed to have rejuvenated his love for performing.

The album itself is a melting pot of Leatherman’s influences—blues, rock, and country—with a blend of old and new tracks that chart his life’s journey. ‘My Baby Says She Loves Me’ stands out as a touching tribute to his past collaborations with the Franklin Brothers, a blues band he played with in 1985. Featuring powerful vocals and emotive guitar work, it echoes the spirit of the old-school rock and blues scene.

Leatherman also invited guest musicians from various stages of his career to contribute to ‘Old School.’ Paul Tennison, who had briefly performed with the Elevators, and the late Terry Penny, a close friend and collaborator, were significant contributors to the record. Songs like ‘Further On Up The Road’ and ‘Born Under A Bad Sign’ showcase Leatherman’s rich musical legacy, seamlessly combining traditional blues standards with his own unique twist.

For fans of the 13th Floor Elevators, Leatherman’s ‘Old School’ is much more than a solo debut. It’s a deeply personal journey that ties together decades of music, friendship, and creativity. The album takes listeners back to the raw energy of the 60s, while embracing the wisdom and experience of a man who has seen and done it all.

But even beyond its nostalgic allure, ‘Old School’ stands on its own as a formidable record. It’s a testament to Leatherman’s staying power—proof that, even after all these years, his music can still captivate audiences old and new. “I never thought I’d be back playing like this, not at this stage of life,” he admitted. “But it’s been a hell of a ride, and I’m glad to be doing it.”

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Elevators or new to Ronnie Leatherman’s music, ‘Old School’ offers something special. It’s the sound of a legend coming full circle, still finding joy in the craft, and sharing it with the world.

Back in 2016, Ronnie sat down for an insightful conversation about his life, music, and the unforgettable journey that shaped Texas psychedelic rock. Born and raised in Kerrville, Texas, Ronnie shares his early experiences growing up in the Hill Country. “Yeah, I was born here – I was raised here. Traveled a lot of the back roads. Of course, that’s all there was to do in Kerrville,” Ronnie recalls with a chuckle.

Ronnie’s introduction to music came at a young age. “Actually, the first instrument I played when I was in 4th grade. I took lessons on a ukulele… I graduated up to a baritone uke,” he shares, reminiscing about the early days of his musical journey. His switch to guitar in seventh grade would ultimately set the stage for his role in the Texas music scene.

Before joining the 13th Floor Elevators, Ronnie was part of local bands in high school. “We were called the Penetrators. We ended up having this singer Max, and then we were Max and the Penetrators,” he remembers fondly. It was through these early gigs that Ronnie honed his skills, eventually catching the attention of Stacy Sutherland and John Ike Walton, members of the 13th Floor Elevators.

When asked about how he came to replace the original bassist Bennie Thurman in the Elevators, Ronnie explained, “I went down and taught Bennie and played with them for about three weeks… Stacy was the one that wanted to get me in the band.” That first gig, however, wasn’t without challenges: “Well, that first night playing with them… they were all just looking at me like “Why are you playing instead of Bennie?!” But after the second time we played there, it all went well.”

Ronnie reflects on the Elevators’ move to California, where they were at the forefront of the emerging psychedelic rock scene. “We played the Avalon and the Fillmore… every one of those bands has opened for us at one time or another.” It was also during this time that Roky Erickson introduced Janis Joplin to Big Brother and the Holding Company, a collaboration that would change the course of Joplin’s career.

While the 13th Floor Elevators’ rise was swift, their struggles with their record label, International Artists, were a major source of frustration. “They rearranged everything. They even remixed it after we mixed it and it didn’t really work out like we wanted it to,” Ronnie recalls. This tension ultimately led to Ronnie’s departure after their first album. Yet, he later returned to contribute to their final album, ‘Bull of the Woods.’

These days, Ronnie is still active in the music scene, playing with bands like Sol Patch. Reflecting on the long, strange trip of his career, Ronnie continues to play music with the same passion that fueled his early days in the Texas psychedelic scene.

Written and illustrated by Justin Jackley 

---

Ronnie Leatherman YouTube
Charly Records Official Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

Beers with Ronnie Leatherman of the 13th Floor Elevators