I was saddened to learn today of the death of Ross Ritto, one of the pioneers in the modern sound reinforcement industry. Ross had a direct impact on my entry into pro sound and it was always good to come across his name in trade journals and discussions about pro sound touring.
I have written a number of times about the “graying” of the pro sound industry, but losing Ross at the age of 60 really brings this home for me.
While best known as the founder and CEO of Sound Image, a major west coast touring company, I first encountered Ross back in the 1970’s. His company, Silverfish Audio, a sound company from Buffalo, NY provided a touring audio system for Jimmy Buffett.
Ross brought a football stadium sized sound system to my alma mater, UNC Chapel Hill, and by the end of the day I had a totally new concept of what major league sound reinforcement was about.
Although I was only one of many stagehands on the call, Ross took as much time as need to answer all my questions, no matter how ridiculous, and that Jimmy Buffet show as one of the most memorable of my career.
This was in the days of multi-component horn loaded sound systems, and with the information I learned from Ross, I built a “mini” system much like the one he brought to Kenan Stadium. In fact, there are probably a couple of pieces of this package still lurking in the back of our warehouse.
My decision to pursue a pro sound career was met at every step by patient professionals like Ross, and I consider knowing him one of the highlights of my 30 hears in a great industry.
He will be missed.
(link to the original Silverfish Audio brochure with pics of the sound system I am talking about)
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