For some people, the choice of a career is a hit-or-miss affair, while others set their sights on a goal and never waver. Ralph Cole chose music after receiving a guitar for his eighth birthday and he followed that path with unswerving dedication ever since.
Ralph joined LIGHTHOUSE after six years of performing and recording in Michigan with his own band Thyme. His searing guitar lines, solid vocal harmonies, and unflagging energy played a major role in developing the band’s style. He wrote and arranged many of their most popular songs such as Take It Slow, Broken Guitar Blues and Silver Bird as well as co-writing the hits 1849, Love of a Woman and Rocking Chair.
After LIGHTHOUSE disbanded in 1984, Ralph ran a very successful production company specializing in music for tv and radio commercials. One of these 'jingles' became so popular it was recorded as a single titled It Don't Matter and was on the charts for months. Over the years he has contributed to the success of many projects as a writer and producer and his unique sound has continued to keep him in demand as a studio musician.
When LIGHTHOUSE regrouped in 1992, Ralph was front and centre as always! Ralph was the cornerstone of Lighthouse - the only musician who performed with the band from the very beginning without ever missing a performance - even after gall bladder surgery would have felled a lesser mortal!! But even steadfast heroes have their breaking point and arthritis has gotten the best of Ralph in the last few years. Ralph decided to retire at the end of 2022. He'll always be family!!
Ralph joined LIGHTHOUSE after six years of performing and recording in Michigan with his own band Thyme. His searing guitar lines, solid vocal harmonies, and unflagging energy played a major role in developing the band’s style. He wrote and arranged many of their most popular songs such as Take It Slow, Broken Guitar Blues and Silver Bird as well as co-writing the hits 1849, Love of a Woman and Rocking Chair.
After LIGHTHOUSE disbanded in 1984, Ralph ran a very successful production company specializing in music for tv and radio commercials. One of these 'jingles' became so popular it was recorded as a single titled It Don't Matter and was on the charts for months. Over the years he has contributed to the success of many projects as a writer and producer and his unique sound has continued to keep him in demand as a studio musician.
When LIGHTHOUSE regrouped in 1992, Ralph was front and centre as always! Ralph was the cornerstone of Lighthouse - the only musician who performed with the band from the very beginning without ever missing a performance - even after gall bladder surgery would have felled a lesser mortal!! But even steadfast heroes have their breaking point and arthritis has gotten the best of Ralph in the last few years. Ralph decided to retire at the end of 2022. He'll always be family!!
