In Memory

Ralph Colwell - Class Of 1955

Ralph Johnson Colwell, 81, of Tucson, Arizona died December 12, 2018 from cancer. He is survived by his wife, Deborah; his children, Katharine (John) Standridge, Clayton (Robin) Colwell, and Fletcher (Jennifer) Colwell; and seven grandchildren.

Ralph's musical career began when he formed a band with older brothers, Steve (SPHS '51) and Paul (SPHS '53). As teenagers, the Colwell Brothers became regulars on the Tex Williams Show and signed a recording contract with Columbia Records. In the 1950s, under the auspices of Moral Re-Armament (now Initiatives of Change), the Colwell Brothers visited 60 countries, writing and performing original songs in dozens of languages and dialects. In 1965, Ralph and his brother, Paul, wrote the song, Up With People and the Colwell Brothers became the creative force developing the Up With People program.

For 25 years Ralph directed the Up With People Shows, including Super Bowl Halftimes in 1970, '80, and '86. These halftime shows introduced the non-marching band performance which is emulated today. More recently, Ralph managed the family properties in Tucson. Board memberships include UA Music Advisory Board, Tucson Meet Yourself, Arizona Repertory Singers, and Old Fort Lowell Neighborhood Association.

Arizona Daily Star, December 30, 2018