Washington DC/Ukhrul: Los Angeles, CA based iconic rock drummer, Ron Whitaker has been appointed Chief Musical Diplomat for the Naga-American Council by H.E. Honorary President of Nagalim, Grace Collins.
During his 40 plus year career Whitaker has received over 20 music awards including being inducted into the California Music Hall of Fame (CMHF) in 2023. As President and CEO of Hope for the Homeless Los Angeles Humanitarian Project he has been honored with over 50 awards including the prestigious Humanitarian of the Year Hollywood Celebrity Star in 2015. He was awarded “Drummer of the Year” for the entire United States in 2007. This April, he will be adding to his long list the 2024 California Music Hall of Fame Lifetime Humanitarian Award for musicians who have used their talents to support humanitarian projects.
Also Read | Naga Hoho need not be a roadside circus: WC, NNPGs
Whitaker has played with members of legendary bands such as Guns N’ Roses, Paul McCartney and Wings, Albert Lee, Rod Stewart, The Runaways with Cherrie Currie, The Knack and many more. Besides the countless bands he has played with he has produced over 60 concerts
Collins commented “I’ve known Ron since 2008 and noticed every conversation led with “How can we help the homeless and veterans?” He is not only a musician but more importantly is charitable minded and is perfect to be one of our Board Ambassadors.” Whitaker created a free dental clinic in Los Angeles for veterans and the impoverished. Remarking on this major accomplishment Collins stated “I am so grateful for someone of Whitaker’s celebrity stature and proven success in building projects for the poor and oppressed.” Contributing his mother for inspiring him to help the veterans and the homeless, Whitaker said “My mom taught me at the age of 12 to play music for benefits so it means something to someone. And, play for fun!”
Also Read | RPP urges Nagas to unite, elect right leader for Lok Sabha election
As Musical Diplomat his responsibilities will include organizing his vast network of musicians to produce benefit concerts to help with the crusade to free Nagalim of its political struggle from India. Since August 14, 1947, India has forcibly occupied their land; killing and maiming over 300,000.
Collins, inspired by the recent Musical Diplomat position established September 27, 2023 by the US Department of State Global Music Diplomacy Initiative, created a similar position tailored to fit Naga-American Council goals, a non-profit which she founded over 23 years ago. The role of the Musical Diplomat Collins stated is to “Stimulate awareness of the 75-year-old conflict between India and Burma and encourage both nations to finally implement a peaceful co-existence agreement as separate nations.” She further went on to say “Music is a new form of ‘Multi-Track Diplomacy’ and I believe he will be an effective catalyst to facilitate peace, education, funding and cultural exchange for the Naga plight.”
Also Read | AMUCO president warns against Citizenship Amendment Act; urges unified opposition
Stating why he is especially honored to be NAC’s first Musical Diplomat, Whitaker said, “There are many types of oppression in the world, and there are even countries where you don’t have the freedom to play music. I was excited to learn that the Nagas follow American music from Christian hymns, to Country, Rap and Rock. I look forward to thinking of fun ways we can jam!”
(Source: The Naga-American Council published on Feb 5, 2024.)
This is not a Ukhrul Times publication. UT is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse its content. Any reports or views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of Ukhrul Times.