Ronnie Dove dies at 91 after a career that carried him from Baltimore clubs to national television and the American pop charts. The singer died on September 15, only 8 days after his 91st birthday, according to Baltimore Chronicle. His death was reported by WMAR-2 News, while other reports said he died at his Pasadena, Maryland, home under hospice care.
Ronnie Dove’s wife announced his death
Dove’s wife, Marty, announced his death on Facebook on Tuesday. A fan page devoted to the singer had recently reported that he was receiving hospice care.
The singer had remained closely associated with Maryland throughout his career. Baltimore was where his professional story began, long before his records reached national charts.
From Baltimore clubs to national television
Dove was stationed near Baltimore while serving in the U.S. Coast Guard during the 1950s. He began performing in local clubs and formed The Belltones, which played around Baltimore and the East Coast.
His best-known recordings included:
- “Say You”
- “Right or Wrong”
- “One Kiss for Old Times’ Sake”
- “Little Bit of Heaven”
Dove later appeared on major television programs, including American Bandstand and The Ed Sullivan Show. WMAR reports that he recorded 23 consecutive regional, national and internationally charted Top 10 records.
His commercial peak came during the 1960s. In 1965 alone, Dove placed 5 singles on the charts, reflecting the consistency of his run during that period.
Ronnie Dove remained connected to Maryland
Dove continued performing around Baltimore long after his biggest national hits. He eventually lived in Pasadena, Maryland.
| Milestone | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | September 7, 1935 |
| Early career | Baltimore-area clubs |
| Breakthrough era | 1960s |
| Home | Pasadena, Maryland |
| Final performance | May 14, 2023 |
| Died | September 15, 2026 |
| Age | 91 |
His official schedule listed the May 14, 2023 concert at the Dundalk American Legion as his final show before retirement. Only 250 tickets were offered for the event.
That performance closed a career spanning more than 6 decades. For Baltimore audiences, Dove remained more than a voice from the 1960s charts: he was part of the region’s musical history.
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