Ryan Ross, born in 1983, grew up in Bewleyville, Kentucky. Music has always been a part of his life. He first started singing in church at a very young age. He wrote his first song at the age of 10 and soon after began playing the guitar at 13. While in high school, Ryan joined the chorus program and performed in many shows. He was also a member of the Breckinridge County High School basketball team. He graduated from B.C.H.S. and went on to attend college at Western Kentucky University where he earned his degree in Radio and Television Operations. By the age of 23, Ryan was working at WXBC 104.3 FM in Hardinsburg, Kentucky as an on-air radio personality. He spent a year and a half there at the radio station before moving to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue a career in country music.
Some of Ryan's biggest musical influences are George Strait and Alan Jackson. Others include Brad Paisley, Josh Turner, Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton, Joe Nichols, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, and Jason Aldean. Ryan also enjoys gospel and contemporary Christian music. He grew up singing in many of the local churches in Breckinridge County. A few of his favorite Christian artists include Michael W. Smith, Chris Rice, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Chris Tomlin. His desire for music was influenced by many in his family, including his dad, who plays the harmonica and taught Ryan how to play the guitar; his Papaw, who played the guitar and mandolin; and his Mamaw, who played the piano at church. His uncle played a big part in helping Ryan to showcase his talent over the years by finding places for him to sing. They helped provide the foundation for his musical abilities.
During the spring, summer and early fall months, Ryan could be found singing at many festivals and events throughout Breckinridge and Meade counties. He also stayed busy singing on the weekends at such places as the Music Ranch in West Point, KY, the Junction Jamboree in Lebanon Junction, KY, Shepherdsville Country Music Show in Shepherdsville, KY, Goldie's Best Little Opry House in Owensboro, KY, Scott's City Limits in Edmonton, KY, Country World in Georgetown, KY, Jay's Country Music Dance and Show in Brandenburg, KY, Calvin Ray's Live Music in Leitchfield, KY and The Lincoln Jamboree in Hodgenville, KY. He's also had the opportunity to sing at the Corydon Jamboree in Corydon, IN, The Little Nashville Opry in Nashville, IN, and at the Ross Country Jamboree in Scottsburg, IN. Since moving to Nashville, Ryan has played several writer's nights at the Bluebird Cafe, the Nashville Palace, and Pick's, as well as sung at Joe's Crab Shack, John A's, Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, The Rusty Nail, and Rippy's. He still continues to perform back in Kentucky quite often, however. This past July, Ryan had the wonderful opportunity of opening for Justin Moore at Beech Bend Park in Bowling Green, KY. He was able to be with him again in October for the 47th Annual Kentucky Apple Festival in Paintsville, KY.
Ryan recorded two CDs while back in Kentucky. The first one titled 'Western Roots', features a collection of great country songs. The second is titled 'In Memory' and is dedicated to his mother, Connie Ross, who lost her battle with cancer in November of 2003. The CD is filled with many inspirational songs. Ryan's newest CD 'Thank God For You And Me' has just been released and can be purchased through the online store of his website.
When not working on music, in his spare time Ryan enjoys playing basketball, being outdoors, and is an avid deer hunter. He is also a big fan of the Kentucky Wildcats and a huge sports fan. When time allows, he enjoys watching ESPN.
While Ryan's main focus is singing, he spends time writing as well. He has written and co-written many songs over the years. One of the songs Ryan co-wrote with his dad, 'Daddy's Little Man', is included on his new CD.
Ryan has met many wonderful people over the years, and very much appreciates the support and love everyone has shown him. He hopes you will continue to keep up with him by checking back at his website often. Ryan enjoys hearing from you so please send him an e-mail to let him know he is in your continued thoughts and prayers as he pursues his dream in Nashville.
