The Heavens Opened… Tyrone Garfield Kersey was born April 7, 1949 to Garfield and Gevoda Kersey. Affectionately known to his family and close friends as Ronnie, he was known throughout the music world as Ron "Have Mercy" Kersey, or just Kersey. Ronnie joined First Corinthian Baptist Church and was baptized at the age of twelve. He grew up in North Philadelphia and graduated from Edison High School. While at Edison, he majored in music and started lifelong friendships with Norman Harris and Ron Tyson. After graduation, he married Bernice Jones and joined the Air Force. While Ron and Bernice divorced some time later, they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Kisha. It was also during this time, while playing in a bank in Springfield, Massachusetts, that his moniker "Have Mercy" was created. Whenever he did a solo, people would scream "Have Mercy, Mr. Kersey." He liked it so much, he decided to keep it! Ron served his country until he was honorably discharged at the end of his tour of duty. After leaving the Air Force, he reconnected with Norman Harris, who ushered him as a studio musician for Baker, Harris and Young (BHY) and Philadelphia International Records. He also wrote, arranged, and produced music and sometimes even did background vocals at BHY. During this time, he joined the Trammps as one of the original members, but after discovering that he did not enjoy the "road musician's life," he chose to leave the group to be a studio musician. He worked extensively with BHY and Philly International as a studio musician. As one of the members of MFSB and the Salsoul Orchestra, he worked with Vince Montana, Jr., Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff and Thom Bell. His work can be heard on albums by Lou Rawls, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, The Dells, Teddy Pendergrass, The Manhattans, The O'Jays, The Whispers, The Temptations, Major Harris and the First Choice, to name a few. It was during his time with Baker, Harris and Young that he co-wrote "Disco Inferno" with Leroy Greene. "Disco Inferno" became one of the biggest hits of the disco era, going on to be included on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, for which he won a Grammy for "Producer of the Year." Disco Inferno" has since been used in numerous movie soundtracks such as "Ghostbusters," "What Love Got to Do with It?" "Donnie Brasco," "Kingpin," "Head of State," and many more. It has also been used in many commercials and is currently being used by Dannon™ Yogurt. With the success of "Disco Inferno," Ron decided to try his luck in Los Angeles, California . While there, he co-wrote such songs as "Send For Me" by Atlantic Starr, :Kiss Away the Pain" by Patti Labelle, "You" by Gladys Knight and the Pips, and "Kisses Don't Lie" by Evelyn "Champagne" King. He also produced, arranged and was a studio musician for such artists as Gladys Knight and the Pips, Stephanie Mills, Stacy Lattisaw, Gerald Levert, Mattie Moss Clark, Rose Royce, Stevie Wonder, Traci Spencer, Robert Palmer, B.B. King, Jeffrey Osborne, Grace Jones, Gloria Gaynor, and many others too numerous too mention. He was also instrumental in getting record deals for such artists as George Howard, Gerald Alston and O'Bryan. He was the recipient of several gold and platinum records for his hit songs and received a nomination for a Philadelphia Music Foundation Award. Ronnie had a massive stroke in March of 1997 which made his daily life a struggle. But he bore it all like the good soldier he was, never complaining and always remaining in good spirits. When asked how he was doing, his reply was always, ""I'm good," or "I'm getting better," and he would always ask, "How are you doing?" Ron and his sister Toni had a special relationship. They were always together as children and as adults. Sometimes people would say their names as though it was one name. Even when he lived in California and she in Philly, they were always on the telephone together, especially during the football season. He was a huge Eagles fan! Toni was his caretaker after his stroke and took exceptional care of him. She was by his side as he passed on. Ronnie was a devoted son, a loving brother and father, an adoring uncle and godfather, and a loyal friend. Despite all of his professional accomplishments, he will be remembered most for his warm smile, sweet-naturedness, hearty laugh, and generosity of spirit. Ron leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved mother, Gevoda; two loving sisters, Antoinette "Toni" and Karrie Tawana; a loving daughter, Kisha; a stepdaughter, Desiree; a stepson, Waymon; an adoring niece, Ayanna; aunts, Theresa, Kris and Everdine; an uncle, CJ; three grandchildren, Nathaniel, A'shalay and Nyheim; godchildren and many, many cousins and friends. Child of God — you were a good soldier and fought a good fight! The victory is won! Respectfully submitted, The Family