The Unmistakable Voice of Ron J—Local DJ Extraordinaire

He may have been the DJ at your wedding. You might recognize him as the emcee for La Jolla Concerts by the Sea. Or, perhaps you are part of the Rotary Club of La Jolla, in which case you just elected him your new president in July. If the above clues didn’t give him away, then let us help you out: We’re talking about the “Voice of La Jolla,” or Ron Jones, a man better known by his DJ moniker, Ron J.

A Windansea resident, Ron J could certainly be described as a lifetime music enthusiast. When asked what he listens to, he said, “Everything.” When asked what he likes, he said, “All the good stuff.” And when posed with identifying musical dislikes, well, he didn’t have much to say.

A lack of disapproval for particular genres or songs shouldn’t come as much of a surprise for a man with a vinyl collection hovering somewhere in the neighborhood of 30,000 albums. “I have a two-car garage filled with vinyl and CDs,” said Jones, including his very first LP purchase made at age 11.

This combination DJ, emcee, entertainment consultant and all-around community man describes his original arrival in San Diego during the disco area as one taking place, “on the back of Wolfman Jack.” His nightclub career took him all over the city, including a stint at the famed Jabberwocky Lounge in Hotel Circle at the old Le Baron Hotel.

From disco to wedding dances, Ron J specializes in what he knows and that happens to be all different types of music. Now, in his fifteenth season as the front man and emcee for La Jolla Concerts by the Sea, an event Jones describes as, “one of the best things La Jolla has to offer in the summertime,” Ron J is doing anything but slowing down.

As a full-time mobile disco deejay, a part-time philanthropist, President of the San Diego Disc Jockey Association and the first entertainer to be elected a Rotary Club president in La Jolla, we wonder how he even had time for a quick cup of coffee at Pannikin. But, we’re happy he did—and now on to the Q&A:

Full Name: Ron Jones, better known as “Ron J.”

Occupation: Professional announcer and DJ, special events entertainment consultant and performance artist. Other activities include, but are not limited to: president of the San Diego Disc Jockey’s Association, newly elected president of the Rotary Club of La Jolla, master of ceremonies for La Jolla Concerts by the Sea and president of La Jolla Meals On Wheels.

In a word, sum up your taste in music: “Eccentric.”

What is your castaway disc (the one CD or album you would take with you to a deserted island)? Rebel Rouser, by Duane Eddy. “It was my very first LP purchase in 1958, and I spent days considering it. After returning to the record store two or three times to review the album, I spent two weeks allowance on it—$3.98. I still have it to this day.”

Favorite live music performance—artist, venue, year: “It was a production of the San Diego Symphony where John Williams appeared and conducted all of his soundtracks. I’ve always been a fan of his [Williams’] work, and this was a great way to experience it.”

If you were an instrument, what would it be and why? “The drum—yeah. It’s always the one that I focus on. Without the rhythm you don’t have much.”

Your guilty music pleasure: “Lady Gaga. There’s an entertainment factor there.”

What would your theme song be? “Someone to Watch Over Me. It’s in the lyrics and ascension of the chording.”

Name the three artists getting the most airtime on your iPod right now:

“Besides talk radio, in any downtime I have I’m probably listening to:”

1. John Williams
2. John Barry
3. Danny Elfman