An Interview with Ron Rhodes

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Touring as a band of seven siblings must have been exciting as a youngster. Tell us about it.

We got to travel all over the United States, steadily building up to larger venues. In the 1970s we appeared on numerous network television shows, including the Merv Griffin Show, Mike Douglas Show (along with Richard Chamberlain), Dinah Shore Show (along with Jackie Gleason), American Bandstand with Dick Clark, Jerry Lewis Telethon (with Wayne Newton and Sammy Davis Jr.), a Walt Disney Special with Luci Arnez, an Easterseal Telethon with Peter Falk, and many others. These TV shows opened up a world of opportunity as we performed from New York to California.

How old were you?

When we started, the seven of us ranged in age from 7 to 16. As the second oldest, I was almost 15. It took about five years to get good enough to draw national attention. Many of the places we played were like vacation resorts. So, it was like going from one vacation to another. How fun is that?!

How did the group come about and where did you perform?

My mom was a virtuoso pianist. She trained all of us in piano early. We also trained under other teachers in the instruments of our choice. I studied both guitar and clarinet. I guess it was inevitable we’d eventually form a band. We called ourselves “The Rhodes Kids.” We started out just for fun, performing in a local talent show. Eventually, we signed a contract with a manager and agent, and before long we were on the fast–track.
We performed in lots of exciting places, such as the International Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas with B.B. King. During that gig, Elvis Presley was in the Main Room at the same hotel. It was fun to see him almost every night—though he always had his “posse” of bodyguards around him. Soon, we graduated to the Main Room and did 40 shows with Ann Margret. While there, Bob Hope came to see our show and graciously paid a visit to our dressing room. We also enjoyed performing at the Main Room at the Flamingo Hilton with Barbara Eden (“I Dream of Genie”). During the years that followed, we performed concerts at Disneyland, Disneyworld, state fairs, concert venues, and various entertainment centers.

What other highlights did you experience?

Having signed a major recording contract, it was a real thrill to hear our songs played on the radio. Our remake of Del Shannon’s song, “Runaway,” made the national Billboard charts. “Take Good Care of Her” also charted. Our rock–n–roll Christmas album was played on 80 percent of the nation’s rock stations. We soon found ourselves appearing in teen magazines—like Tigerbeat, Teen Now, and Sixteen.

Were there any defining moments during your touring years?

One “defining moment” was when we performed at Disneyland with Pat Boone, his wife Shirley, and four daughters. One evening, Shirley spent a few minutes backstage giving her personal testimony. It’s the first time I ever saw tears of joy in someone speaking about Jesus. That got my attention. Within a month, I became a Christian and my whole life changed!

What kind of impact did your newfound faith have on your family?

I had gone to church my entire life, thanks to my mom and dad. For whatever reason, though, it didn’t “stick.” In earlier years, I’d not caught on that Christianity was primarily about a personal relationship with Jesus. Now, finally, I “got it.” One–by–one, all my brothers and sisters became Christians as well.

At what point did your aspirations shift from being an entertainer to sharing the truth about Jesus?

After I became a Christian, I had a hunger for God’s Word that wouldn’t quit. While touring from city to city, I read one Christian book after another. Many of the books I read were written by professors or graduates of Dallas Theological Seminary. Little did I know that I’d eventually enroll at Dallas Theological Seminary and earn both a Masters and Doctoral degree. My wife Kerri jokingly tells people, “I thought I was marrying a rock star, and I got a seminary student.”
As I think back on it, the band performed for well over a decade. As each of us passed the threshold of 20, a number of us felt the urge to go to college (and me to seminary). The great thing is that the performing years paid for everyone’s college!

Do you or any of your family members continue to be involved in music?

I continue to play guitar and piano—but mainly just for fun. That’s one way I like to unwind. Meanwhile, my brother Gary is in fulltime music and has written several #1 bestselling Christian musicals. He’s also won several Dove Awards for his compositions.

Who has had the biggest impact on your life?

No question about it—my mom and dad. Without their love and support, and the values they instilled in me at an early age, I wouldn’t be what I am today. Several years ago, I was with my dad, holding his hand, as he entered glory. It was a precious moment. I miss him, but I know a grand reunion awaits us all in heaven.

Did performing prepare you, in any way, for the ministry?

The appearances prepared me for the TV and radio I now do in my ministry work. Performing in front of thousands of people helped instill in me a sense of confidence before large crowds. I definitely think God used those years to help prepare me for what I’m doing now.

As an apologist, what do you do and what are you most passionate about?

God has called me to apologetics—that is, I defend the Christian faith against any and all threats, whether it be cults, false religions, atheists, or anything else. In our ministry, however, apologetics is not just about strong answers. It’s also about a 100–percent commitment to Jesus. Our ministry seeks not only to provide strong answers, but also to help people maintain a strong relationship with Jesus.

Given the time, what personal interests would you like to pursue?

During my showbiz years, I became published as a songwriter. One of my favorites is “I’ll Never Let You Go,” which our band recorded. I still love music and I still like writing songs. These days, I’m writing praise and worship songs. I’m sure that will continue.

What does your family do for fun?

One thing we love to do is to travel to interesting places. For example, we spent a week in Washington D.C, visiting all kinds of historical sites. While there, it was a particular thrill to me to find most of my books in the Library of Congress (though my wife accidentally crashed the Library of Congress computer catalog file system... oops).

Where else have your travels taken you?

Last summer, we spent 15 days in England. We visited Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abby, Winston Churchill’s home, various castles, and much more. I also had the opportunity to visit Stonehenge and examine firsthand the claims of this site’s alleged connection to UFO phenomena.

What's the best thing about being a family man?

God has blessed me with a wonderful wife, Kerri, and two incredible children, David, 18, and Kylie, 16. The three of them make the sun rise each morning for me! There’s nothing I’d rather do each day than to simply “hang out” with them. We all like music, too! My son David has studied guitar at a local music conservatory for years, and he’s about to pass his old man in performing ability. My daughter has a fabulous singing voice, and recently made Allstate Choir.