At Talent Is Timeless, each month we spotlight some of our incredible songwriters who placed in our monthly challenges or annual contests — inviting them to share a bit more about their lives, their creative journeys, and the stories behind their songs.

This month, we’re featuring 59-year-old songwriter Ronald Kemp, who was born in Dudley, Massachusetts, and now lives in Hillsboro, Ohio. Ronald joined Talent Is Timeless in March 2025 and placed first in the USA AI category with his song An Angel Disappeared — a piece born out of deep personal loss. Ron’s wife passed away suddenly from cancer, an illness neither of them knew she had.

“I was riddled with grief and needed a way to try and express my feelings, but words alone, nor tears seemed to help,” he shares.

Turning to music, he began experimenting with Suno AI, and soon found himself shaping his lyrics into a song.

“It was like catharsis,” he explains. “It helped me get through the hardest time of my life.”

Winning the Annual Contest AI Category with that very song carried profound meaning.

“I was thrilled! I felt like a little piece of our love would continue to live on,” he says.

Although Ron had always loved music, he never considered himself formally trained beyond strumming chords on the guitar. It wasn’t until AI tools became advanced enough that he felt he could bring his words and ideas to life. But even with AI, the process was far from easy.

“It’s not just saying here’s some words, or an idea… make me a song,” he clarifies.

He meticulously shapes each track — from key to chord progression to specific vocal tones — often uploading his own guitar progressions and going through “hundreds of iterations” before the final song emerges. The recognition he received from Talent Is Timeless marked a turning point.

“In the comments, the judge told me my song brought a tear to their eye,” he recalls.

That validation gave him new confidence in his work, something he admits he has often struggled to hold onto, despite encouragement from family and friends. His proudest songwriting moment so far has been winning the top AI song in the U.S. category for Talent Is Timeless. It affirmed not only his creative ability but also the possibility of making something beautiful out of unbearable pain.

Ron’s advice to other songwriters over 50 comes from his own journey through grief, resilience, and rediscovery:

“It’s never too late. Although our bodies get old, we still retain the child within… let him out to play!”

Ron’s story is a testament to how creativity can carry us through life’s hardest chapters, transforming sorrow into something that connects, comforts, and continues love’s memory.

You can listen to Ron’s winning song here: An Angel Disappeared

And Connect with Ron on Talent Is Timeless here: https://www.talentistimeless.com/members/jetmech65/