I seen Ralph for the first time on south ave @ living legends ,i think i was 18,so that was in 78 or79.he played hard,but spoke soft ,that's what i do now,knowing that it's possible to throwdown on stage hard and then come off the stage and be so humble,that's the way we all should be ,play 100% on stage and be humble and greatfull,and thankfull for the gift God gives to all.rest in peace ralph,you were a gentle giant,with a big heart and a big smile,thank's for all the bass in the face! tripullizer on bass!!!

A number of years ago when I was just starting to get into playing music, I had the chance to share the stage with Ralph at Smokin' Joe's open jams. I knew immediately that Ralph was in a whole different class of talent, but he never once made me, or any of the other musicians for that matter, feel like we didn't belong. He was extremely gracious and encouraging. I was, and continue to be honored to say I had played with him.

I still cant belive that ralph is gone i knew ralph in the early 80's along with jimmy who played sax and a great singer also. i too played bass i played jazz and salsa and ralph and i shared our skills he was a monster at what he played and he wanted to re-visit his culture on the bass thats where i came in because i wanted his funk abilitys! we became the best of friend ,shared our equipments, ideas but most of all a never ending friendship that i will carry for the rest of my life.i whis that i knew befor hand of his illness because i would of been by his side. you will be greatly missed im shure God is waiting for you with his warm arms .i will alway treasure our years and memories that we shared and most of all your warm smile may god bless you! tu amigo and fellow bass player ............... Jose Gonzalez

I knew Ralph back in the 1970's...his first band TRIC from Newark New York.....a major influence, how do you say "Good Roots to Have", loved music & highly spirited. Friend!

Ralph was my bass teacher for 6 years. He was an inspiration and always gave a kind word of encouragement when i was trying something new. He really opened up my mind to a huge spectrum of music styles, and yes, he was the baddest thumpin' bass player in the Roc! RIP buddy, you will be missed.

I am so sad to hear of Ralph's death,,,much too young. I met him in 1981 when he was playing downtown Syracuse NY at Jazz at the Square on Wednesday nights during the summer and at the Owasco Lake Pavilion in Auburn...a few college gigs here and there and told me of the night a rather wasted Jaco Pastorius took his (Ralph's) bass out onto the railroad tracks behind an upstate club during a gig and pulled the strings off:)...probably not funny at the time. He was a sweet guy and so talented...I miss him