Renowned blues guitarist Ronnie Earl, known for his blend of blues, jazz, soul, and rock influences, rose to fame in the '80s with his instrumental outfit the Broadcasters. Born Ronald Horvath in 1953, Earl honed his craft in Boston's blues scene before joining Roomful of Blues as Duke Robillard's replacement. In 1987, he ventured into a solo career and formed a new iteration of the Broadcasters, releasing acclaimed albums like Soul Searchin' and Peace of Mind throughout the '90s.

Overcoming personal struggles with addiction, Earl evolved his sound to incorporate more jazz influences, leading to a series of lauded albums under the Bullseye Blues label in the '90s. After a successful major-label debut with The Colour of Love in 1997, Earl ultimately parted ways with Verve due to pressure and personal challenges. He later found success with the Telarc label, releasing collaborative works like Healing Time with Jimmy McGriff and Ronnie Earl and Friends with various artists. Earl continued to produce instrumental blues albums, including Now My Soul and The Duke Meets the Earl with Duke Robillard, showcasing his exceptional guitar prowess and musical versatility.