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 and Craig Morgan. Ryan also enjoys singing 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.
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.
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