Growing up in Evanston, Illinois, Ron Hockett began playing professionally with George Brunies, Bobby Gordon and the Salty Dogs while still in high school. A member of the popular youth group, The Windjammers, Hockett took part in rehearsals that turned into jam sessions with visiting greats Bobby Hackett, Bud Freeman and Jimmy McPartland. While a student at Princeton, Ron toured the Orient with the Dukes of Dixieland. From 1970 to 1999, he was the lead saxophonist and clarinet soloist in the “President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band in Washington, D.C., performing throughout the U.S. and Europe, and making regular appearances at the White House. Known for his perfectionist tendencies, Ron would avidly prepare his material for recording sessions. He counts Artie Shaw as one of his influences. Working on Riverwalk Jazz productions, Ron contributed to musical arranging and show development in addition to his recorded performances. He left the Band in 2011 to re-locate to England.