Is Ronald Jenkees a Fake?

Anybody who thinks that success in music is "all about the music" needs to read this.

In 2006, Ronald Jenkees started a YouTube channel and put up videos of himself playing keyboards.  Pretty soon, people started watching, and telling their friends, and buying his self-released album.

There's nothing really special about the production quality of his videos...  They're pretty basic, just like anything else you can see thousands of times from everybody and his brother, who thinks they have something to say via the computers in their bedrooms.

But the authenticity of the videos, as well as the music, is something you don't see often.  "Video quality" is more than just a sharp picture, you know.

An example...

When I talk about developing a relationship with fans using video, this is what I'm talking about.  Every musician using video should strive to do something like Ronald Jenkees is doing.

But is Ronald Jenkees real?  As his popularity has increased, so has the number of skeptics who say the whole thing is just an act and that "Ronald Jenkees" is actually Ben Feltes, a guy who studied music at Murray State University in Murray, KY.

The music he makes is good.  But, in my opinion, a big part of Ronald Jenkess' appeal is that he's a guy, just like any of us were at one time, in his bedroom with big dreams of making music that the world would hear.  The only difference is that he, while still in his bedroom, because famous, at least on some level, and the world is hearing his music.  And, he's making a living at it.

Underdog comes out on top.

It's his story that put Ronald where he is.  When I say you need a "hook" to market yourself, this is exactly what I'm talking about.  It takes your music and makes it 10,000x more powerful.

Don't lie though...

I have no way to know one way or another if what people are saying is true and that Ronald Jenkees is a fake.  But I do know that what helps you one minute can be the same thing that bites you in the ass the next.

Like I said, Ronald Jenkees is us.  He's the guy with the "big dream" who sits in his bedroom, practicing like crazy, hoping that the right person will discover him, and take him to the next level of music business success...with world tours, big album sales, fame, and respect.

People love this story.  People want to help a guy like this.

And if those people find out they've been lied to, they'll turn on you in an instant...  Much like they do the homeless guy who asks for food money, only to turn around and spend it on booze. 

If Ronald Jenkees turns out to be a fake, good music or not, he'll be slapping a lot of people in the face. It will be 10,000x harder than any lying homeless guy ever could though...because we've all been where Ronald Jenkees is and we want to believe he's who is says he is more than we've ever wanted to believe that a homeless guy would actually buy food with our spare change.

All the kids who believed that you really could teach yourself how to make great music, the wannabe musicians who still believe it's possible to have fame just by sitting in your bedroom and making videos to post online, and the people in the world who don't look or act like everybody else...they're going to be pissed.

Thoughts? Post 'em here.

Comments

[Rob Strand]

I agree with you, David. The guy maybe a gifted musician and, he may even be a brilliant marketer, but he's playing with fire when he (possibly) creates a persona and carries on with it.

If he is faking it, here's what I predict will happen: Someone will eventually post undeniable proof of who he really is. Then the heated debate will carry on between those who are pissed vs. those who say they only care about the music. Eventually, the debate will die down and no one will care about him nor music anymore because they'll have moved on to the next Web sensation.

If the guy wants to have a long-standing career as a respected musician, I think he's going about it the wrong way (assuming Ronald is a fictitious character).

They say he played live in his college town and went to a school known for its music program. Doesn't anyone out there know this guy offline?

[Allison Reynolds]

Being online for many many years I have seen various instances of betrayal that has caused communities to turn on those they support.

The faked deaths, faked cancer, greedy charity requests. All instances where the community vulnerability in trusting someone was deceived. The pain from these acts is doubly hard to take because the community itself is based on that trust, not just a single relationship between the viewer and the subject.

I don't know if this guy is for real or not, but I do agree the aftermath if he is found out to be fake (and people will investigate in their own ways) will be sad. Both for him and the community that follows him.

[Universal Indie Records]

If you're in it to make a fast buck then yea this approach will work. If you're trying to make a career out of this and have people purchase more than just your initial cd, lying to the fans should never be part of the equation.

[Jamie Gazelle]

IF THIS DUDE IS A FRAUD THEN HES DANG GOOD AT IT
BUT I WILL PERSONALLY HUNT HIM AND GIVE HIM A GOOD TALKING TO IF HE IS CUZ I HAVE WORKED HARD AND HAVE HAD NOTHING LIKE THIS HAPPEN AND IM FREAKING GOOD IF NOT BETTER THAN THIS. IT JUST IS SO UPSETTING TO SEE STUFF LIKE THIS ON THE TUBE BUT JUST U WAIT THERE IS MORE SURPRISES COMING ON THIS WORLD TV THING U DONT EVEN WANNA
KNOW ABOUT.

[John Taglieri]

"I agree with you, David. The guy maybe a gifted musician and, he may even be a brilliant marketer, but he's playing with fire when he (possibly) creates a persona and carries on with it."

I dont know that I agree. Look how many artists have personas. Every rap artist, Kid Rock (aka Bob Ritchie), and countless others. Hell...look at Kiss,Cher, Ringo Starr, Gary Glitter, David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Uncle Cracker, Edge, Bono, Sting...etc. The persona has been a thing from the start in this business. If he can build a fan base, thats all that matters. Maintaining it is then the issue we all face and if people find that it's a persona, as long as when/if he's outed he's clean with it, then it will probably be no big deal as people care more about the music I think, then the fact that he used a fake name.

It's called MARKETING. Would someone listen to him as Ben Feltes?? Apparently not as he probablt tried that for a while and then came up with the new name which is working. Good for him. Whatever works to sell CDs and make you more marketable.

Now he needs to be smart about it. If outed, own up and say "yep, but thats my "stage" name..." dont hide from it.

Just my two cents..
J.T.

Hey...as long as the guy can play, and has fans and makes a living, why should anyone complain. Good for him.

[Peter Pupping]

What's wrong with having a "persona"? I hear Alice Cooper is a persona. What about Kiss? The list is long. What about pen names. I don't see any big trouble. I think this guy picked up on the "Numa, Numa" concept and ran with it. He is either real or a good actor who likes underdogs and making it in music anyway he can. He's just doing it on a virtual stage unlike glam bands of old but the same. If not, he's the real deal, great!

[TR Crowe]

I don't know. A while back, there was a kid named David Jones who wanted to be a rock star. He took on a fake name, created a fake persona -- complete with makeup and outlandish outfits -- and ended up doing pretty well for himself. That was years ago, and he's STILL pretty popular. Had a string of hits, and has even been in movies.

His greatest hits, Best of Bowie, came out in 2002.

[Patrick]

He is either the real thing, or he is an incredible actor. Either way he's going to go far. I want to believe he is real simply because he is so darn likable!

[Teresa L. Berger]

David:

I have been posting to youtube and several other indie friendly sites for a while. I have over 40000 hits to my YouTube site but my artists aren't famous yet.

One is singing with Maxwell.
One is playing sax with Anthony Hamilton.
One is making a great run with a new album in the UK.
One won the Apollo.
One is playing guitar with Young Jeezy.
One is Lorenzo "old school r&b act"
One is a comedian on BET's hell date.
One has a 4 octave range and can sing, Chaka, Whitney, Aretha or Faith.

I said all of this because, these are real artists, performing their real craft and you have a fake guy out there doing it.

What is the world coming to?

What do my guys need to do?

[celloLaurie]

Who cares if he's using a "fake" name -- aren't band names, stage names, etc. all made up names, with complete personas attached? How can he be "fake?" He's a real person, speaking naturally, playing very well. How is that fake? He's even making money, apparently. I don't understand all the fuss.

[Paul Pittman]

Is it possible that the two people are the same? Much like an author uses a pen-name or an actor uses a different name, could this simply be a case of using an alias or different "persona" to appeal to a certain genre or audience? I guess that is something that only time will tell, maybe?

While I agree that if this is a matter of trying to pull the wool over everyone's eyes, condemning someone before proof is just as bad and can have just as negative effect.

[Mike Barlow]

Well, that Vincent Furnier sure had me fooled all these years, there's me thinking his REAL name was Alice Cooper. Boy, do I hate that guy now...HE TRICKED ME. I HATE HIM NOW. HE TOOK MY LOVE AND USED ME.

Grow up guys, surely you have something better to flagellate yourselves with?

Mike

[Lance Harrison]

One thing for sure... your talking about him! As the saying goes, "You can say what you like, just spell my name right!" and "There is no such thing as BAD press." You never know what is going to tickle the fancy of your audience. Plus, the public is fickle, has a short attention span, and is quite forgetful. It's really an "anything goes" world now.

[Jeff Gee]

Hi David;
I really like his stuff. So you think that people will be pissed because hes using a fake name? or that hes disguising himself as a self taught musician instead of a university trained musician?
Myself, I wasn't even upset to find out about Milli Vanilli I just thought they made some great entertaining stuff. I do, however, see your point about the way the fans percieve the person behind the music. there is that part where they want to feel like they know the person making the music. I do a webcam gig myself @ www.blogtv.com/people/jeffgee I am going to take pointers from him. I really like the way he makes it more of a personalized experience than a show. I felt like I'm just hanging out talking w/him and his personality put me at ease. I think people dig that... (obviously they do:)...........Keep up the great work David...........Jeff Gee

[Matt]

The ONLY fake musicians are the ones that lip synch and use excessive auto tune progrms on their voice. A guys name is IRRELEVANT. If you are playing your instrument FOR REAL, then you are not as fake. Stage personas have existed as long as the stage has. You might piss off some of your fans who decided to like you for shallow reasons having nothing to do with your music, but forget them anyway!!! If you liked this guys music in the first place, then who he says he is or isnt shoudlnt make a bit of difference. I thought the White Stripes were brother and sister, but GUESS WHAT? I didnt stop buying their records when i found out they were lying and were REALLY a divorced couple. Quite frankly i respect their right to privacy and keeping their real identities a secret.

[Rob Strand]

You are ALL missing the point. Get a clue, people.

Who cares if he uses a fake name? That's not the issue I have with him. It's that he is misleading his audience by portraying himself as an everyday schmuck who sat down at a piano one day and then was making videos on YouTube the next. By not being honest about how much formal training he has really had, he is trivializing the process of honing your craft as a musician. That makes us musicians, who take our dedication to our craft seriously, all look bad.

If you are all going to jump all over me for my comment at least you could have read it in-depth first.

[Terrance]

Watched the video briefly. I am almost positive this guy is genuine, and that is probably how his personality truly is when he get's in front of a camera. It's hard to fake passion folks!

Warm Regards,

Terrance

[Rachael]

Thanks for the information...I bookmarked your site, and I appreciate your time and effort to make your blog a success!

[Casey Lee Morgan]

As I read these comments, I think many of you are kinda missing the point. I'm sure everyone's convinced we're not able to deny this kid's ability to play. I am really into his soloing style. Its great to bob your head to his beats. So with the sound and style being great, I'm already sold on it. I happen to love comedy as well. If this kids personality is that unique and interesting, I think that's awesome. We could use a little more interesting folk. If its fake? I think it's still entertainment. It definitely works in his favor, either way.

[John B.]

The only way this artist is a fake would be if he's not actually creating the music himself. It appears that this is not the case. He appears to be actually playing, and quite well at that. As far as what training he's had or not had is irrevelant. The guy has chops, and the only way you aquire technique like this is to practice practice practice!!! There's no way to fake that. He has obviously spent many hours each day,probaby for at least a few years, learning practicing and perecting his craft. Who cares whether his name is Ronald Jenkees or Ronald McDonald. The guy rocks!

[Cameron O.]

The only thing that would disappoint me is if he wasn't really playing those keyboards. So I guess I'll never be disappointed. Why do you care? It's actually rather ridiculous that people are worried about it. Do you enjoy his music or not? Do you enjoy watching him play his keyboard or not? If you do, keep listening and watching. If not then stop. How did I end up on this blog. I just wanted the quote from USA regarding him. What a waste of time...

[Dolly]

Question to the author: what source (if any) do you have that backs up saying he's musically trained?

This is what I read from Ronald's About Me web-page:

--
Some also assume I went to school for music but I actually went for a tech-related degree (networking, security). Musically speaking, I am completely self-taught but it was a slow process - I don't think I was "born to play" or anything but stuck with it.

[Josh Feldman]

I found this guy about six months ago and at that time was unaware if this speculation. It's an interesting article, and comments following it. The only part of the speculation that would bother me - if it became true, is if he lied about his training. It would just a be sort of lame marketing scheme. But, I'd like to point out that Gene Simmons was quoted in saying "I'm not interested in rock n roll, the music. Rather rock n roll, the thing." In other words, he was only interested in it as a lucrative business endeavor. He said that knowing that thousands of Kiss fans would hear it and still love Kiss. Ronald Jenkees isn't going to have a successful career out of his bedroom. If he was in it only for the money he'd be doing more than youtube at this point. Which seems fairly obvious to me now.

[D Daves]

I read your comment, "in-depth", and I'm calling BS on any supposed "formal training" you and the author are claiming Ronald has. I don't intend to be rude when I say this, but to me, it sounds more like jealousy of his talents and no real research.

Until anyone can provide a real source other than "I heard he went to a music school" from internet comments, I'm not buying it. Nothing about the way the guy plays the keyboard says "piano lessons", or any type of formal training.

[Geoff]

Your wrong! It will not be a slap in the face. Is Eminem's name real? How about Marilyn Manson? Is that his name and does he look the same on the street as he does on stage? NO! There is nothing wrong with having a persona as it were.

[David]

WHO CARES if he is fake or not?

the man is a musical prodigy and his "fake persona" is promoting exactly what needs to be promoted in music; that it should not be about the money and it should be about fun. he has inspired countless people including my self to go out and buy an instrument and play music.

[joeburns]

you people are retarded for even speculating such bs. just because someone uses a stage name or personality doesn't mean they are a fake.. just because bob dylans real name is robert allen zimmerman doesn't mean he's a fake..
get over the psuedonym and just listen to the kids kickin beats

[Vestige]

The music is good regardless of who he really is. And besides reality is boring. There is a reason it's call "SHOW" business.

[David G.]

People were really bummed when they found out John Wayne's real name was Marion Morrison, and doubly hurt when it turned out that Eminem was actually Marshal Mathers. You just can't go by a different name and not tell anyone, because if you do then all the great music you've put out is instantly dismissed as fake also. I, for one, refuse to listen to fake beats, no matter how great they sound. So, if it turns out Ronald is a Ben, I'm through. I have too much integrity to bob my head to something artificial...what if it turns out that he's playing fake notes as well?

I won't have it!

[hdhdh@yahoo.com]

All I care about is his music ....If you guys are really care you would not care if he is faking his personality or not....We listening to his music what does the rest have to do with it?

[jenkeesisfake]

Finally a youtube video that shows how Jenkees is a fake.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlXJsd9BT20

Spread this vid.

[David Hooper]

Thanks for letting me know about this. Just posted in a new blog entry at http://www.musicmarketing.com/2009/03/ronald-jenkees.html if anybody is interested in further discussion.

[David Hooper]

Thanks for letting me know about this. Just posted in a new blog entry at http://www.musicmarketing.com/2009/03/ronald-jenkees.html if anybody is interested in further discussion.

[golds_gym1244]

i disagree.

me and my brother were massive fans of "RJ" for years but then soon as we watched that video about his name etc, we are no longer fans, he is using a fake personality to sell his music which is just wrong. if he is really that talented which i don't believe he is after studying his music with the sounds coming out and what he is playing it doesn't really match up to the notes, i have been playing keyboard for about 10 years and when i play his songs on my keyboard the notes are completely different to what he is playing,

but this could just be me not seeing properly or what ever.

but the point is he has lied about who he is and if he is as good as he shows etc then he doesn't need to create a different persona etc

also when he was known as the big cheez he use to sing songs like 56k and one that was exactly the same as stay crunchy!!! so this sounds aren't as new as we think.

i think a lot more digging needs to be done and someone that knows him personally needs to come out and tell his fans the truth or he does before he looses his fan base

[golds_gym1244]

hi jeff, i agree that having a different name if your famous is fine for security reasons or is you have a stupid name to start with then fine, but Ronald jenkees isn't famous he is a guy in America that posted a few videos on you tube at his home.

people seem to think he is some famous guy but in the real world he is just this guy on you tube that is supposedly good on the keyboard, ok he has a cd but to be honest it isnt anything special!!

so making a fake name and personality isnt really necessary to make one cd and a few you tube videos. if it was me i would want the world to know that i am the one that is doing it i am the one that can play amazingly well on the keyboard or wateva it might be etc etc,

can you n ot see peoples point????

i am no longer a RJ fan after all the evidence there is of him being a fake. if he had used his real name and his playing is real then i would of still thought he was amazing in fact if he acted like a normal person i would of thought he was even more amazing.

[golds_gym1244]

bu his voice is even fake, he even sez so himself in a forum as the big cheez!!!!

so after finding that his name is fake his personality is fake and his voice,

makes u wonder dnt it

[golds_gym1244]

you sound like he does lol

[golds_gym1244]

but the point is is the music real, or is it really his, he use to use the music bk in 2004 as the big cheez way b4 he come onto you tube in 2006!! sounds like 56k and stay crunchy were also used in music videos.

[David G.]

Well, I happen to know the scoop, I believe. You know those caracatures you can have drawn of you at carnivals and fairs and such? Well, on one hand they look more like you than you do, but on the other hand they really don't? That's RJ in a nutshell. RJ is basically himself but with certain personality traits amplified about 10 times. Yes, he's goofy, but he really acts goofier to entertain. He's actually corny, but he plays it up to entertain. There's no disingenuousness here. He really does have a dream to make music that people will hear and love. He really did start from scratch. He actually is an encourageing, nice guy. He actually is excited about music. What you see is how he is when he's making a youtube video, and in this day and age I wouldn't use my actual name, either. That approach has worked for hundreds of entertainers over the last century, and if it works for him? More power to ya, RJ.

[David Hooper]

Good comments and certainly something I can get behind. I do the same thing when I'm speaking in public or on the radio and I think it's something most musicians do as well

As I mentioned in a previous post about the topic, I think the thing people have found upsetting is that he is so good at it and they related to him so much, since we all have a piece of "Ronald Jenkees" within us and want that kind of success and love, that they fear it isn't true. More to do with them than him...

If what you're saying is the case, I'd think that will lesson the blow.

Regardless, the music is amazing. I'm sure he'll have a career as a producer, arranger, and composer.

[Mike P]

I have seen that video and the only thing it proves is that he may be using a "stage name" or someohting like that. Who really cares? Lots of people us fake names. I have watched almost all of his videos and even the ones that don't have music on it and he seems to be the same guy everytime.

Does everyone use online moniker that tells who they really are? NOPE! So ease up off the guy he is just trying to show everyone the thing he loves, making music

[STATIX]

Maaan, I thought he said he took lessons when he was 4 but the teachers wouldn't let him jam. So he started doing his own thing. I mean I'm sure there are people that act a little different and still able to fit into University Colleges. I just don't think it's a good idea to use certain disabilities to stand out broken jams or somethin'. Unless you have an honest excuse. The kid is good either way. I really like his music.

[Craig Danger]

well hey, music is music. And the history books show, no one really cares about the integrity of a musician.

[Matt]

Musicians create alter egos all the time you think Gene Simmons was born with that name or that make up. Do you think David Bowie would be more authentic and more influential if he never created Ziggy Stardust. Of course not if he has created a character then he's using it in a way to channel his inspiration. His talent and creativity will always bring in new fans even if the old jaded ones turn there backs to him for any reason.

[Freeman]

He had a website (madbeats.com) which is down. Can anyone find stuff about big cheeez?

[Timtube]

If it's all about the music then why does everybody buy his CD because of his persona?

[Timtube]

Then why do people buy his CD because they feel sorry for him? They are buying his CD because of his "fake" persona

[Kevin]

Okay, so Slash, Cher, Perry Farrell, Flea, etc. are fake because they use stage names? Get real people, half of you dont even know good music when it smacks you in the face. This guys real, real good.

[Sierus]

I don't understand how this dude is 'faking', he is obviously creating the music, so what if he has a 'stage name'. It seems as there is just a lotta hating going here for lack of a better term. Enjoy his music and that's it! Why be a naysayer.

[G-man]

The dude's music is prodigious,when ur makn music like that it of course ur gonna be cheerful goofy, and fun , it doesnt matter whether ur name is ronald jenkees or ben feltes it matters wut comes out of the keyboard and soul , it matters that hes grasped the audiences attention, and looking at ppl comments id say the ppl who says he fake really are just lookn to bring em down, i heard about it first time, did get confused but thought who cares if it is fake, its all about listening to music

[scott]

Fake? I think he's proven he's the real deal by working with major musicians in the studio such as Linkin Park. He's a studio producer with credits to his name and has more real talent than most people in the industry. The best part about him in my opinion is his humble attitude and the ability to not take himself too seriously. A guy like this inspires others and brings people closer - take a look at his following on youtube.
He has fans from every music genre from country and rock to hip hop and blues. Ronald Jenkees is marvelous.

[joshua]

I'm going to laugh my ass off when you people realizes what you guys are arguing about, a theory that RJ might be a fake and what if he is? where does his music come from. when the dust settles you will are come to that it was a waste of time to argue about this. i personally think that he isn't faking it

[mastermenthe]

Let's all think about the MST3K mantra for a moment:
"It's just a show, I should really just relax."

If you are worried about the personal agony you know you will experience both personally and vicariously through similar friends of yours, then you should REALLY think about the above quote.

This is YouTube we are talking about after all. Home of "Chocolate Rain" "Numa Numa Guy" and "Chad Vader".

Don't take it too seriously.

Distance yourself, let go, and learn to enjoy without having to sacrifice your love and soul to something.

-The only way you can be free, is if you only shackle the bonds of love your heart must bear to that which you know is good and true and will not betray you, so that you need not fear the pain of loss when something else you loved and trusted breaks, betrays, or fades away.-

[missanthropic]

if you are saying it is an act to make money then why would the man give out instructions on how to dl his free music torrents? just check out his web site. www.ronaldjenkees.com and read a little, it might help you gain perspective to better make judgment.

[Anon]

It's called a pseudonym.

[John Doe]

Many artists have stage personas. Writers have pen names...

When we found out that Snoop Dogg was named Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr., did we say "WUT, YOU LIAR"

The point is, artists have stage names and pen names, and even stage personalities. This can be for any reason. Privacy perhaps.

Either way - Ronald Jenkees will go down in history as a great producer of music, and I don't think his fans would turn on him over something like this.

Unlike most pop musicians, RJ has fans that are supportive and believe in him.

[Vocal Star]

I agree with missanthropic and John Doe - If you take the time to watch Ronald Jenkees music you'll discover this guy has a passion for music and having fun while you do it. I'm hooked on his tunes and can't wait to buy his next CD.

Jenkees comments on one of his videos that if you can pay for his music do so, if not download it for free and enjoy it...

As for using his real name or stage name...makes no difference to me. You can't fake talent...and he's got it.

[cant be serious]

There is not one, NOT ONE real piece of evidence that says he is faking his persona.

The "evidence"? BS. I can't believe someone and their brother were "massive fans" and now they're not over some BS.

Sad. It's just pathetically sad. And his name? GET OVER IT, NO ONE USES THEIR REAL NAME IN SHOWBIZ.

Golds_Gym1244, you are seriously misguided and misinformed.

[Joe]

This article is such a joke. I have a question to the author: Can you prove that you did not have sex with a chicken? Take your time.

What IS real is the music. Nearly every successful artist in the business uses partial or completely fake personae. This guy got popular because the music he creates is awesome. To stake the claim that his goofy and possibly fabricated online identity has anything to do with his popularity is ridiculous. At least he's CREATING his music, which is a lot more than you can say for most of today's popular artists. Don't hate. The dude has talent.

[R J Mystery Man]

I Know the truth. Hahaha. I will never tell.
I've had dinner with the man.
I know his wife and have been to his house.
I went to the same university.
I lived in his dorm and roomed with his close friend.

[haters gonna hate]

if you watch/listen to his videos and songs, then you will know his passion is real, his music is real and his talent is real...

...what else matters?

[Veggamattic]

I couldn't really care less what he does or says or what his name is or what his story is period.

On the other hand...his music is not just good it's truly world class composition. His playing is great but there are many thousands as good out there but his composition may be without pier in the solo keyboard world and even when comparing him to the keyboard band member guys like Lord and Wakeman and Manzerik he still shines at or above the aforementioned. Truly spectacular talent. If you like keyboards and have never heard of Derek Paravichini...hit is now your lucky day...Youtube him and enjoy.

[Jwycko]

I personally found him on Pandora, and I'm sure that many thousands of other people found him the same way. I have only glanced at his live videos and really don't care if it's a persona or not. He makes EXCELLENT music.