Ryan Russell

Ryan passed away on August 3rd, 2016, due to complications and throat closure following a massive asthma attack. His wife Tara Russell is in process of re-releasing his next full length album with proceeds raised from two Benefit Shows held at Tangled T's in Modesto, and The Knights Ferry General Store, Saloon and Grill. The album is expected to be released in 2018. He received an honorary MAMA award in 2016 following his untimely death. Ryan Russell was born and raised on the outskirts of Oakdale, California. He began singing at a very early age and sang in the church choir as a child. Ryan grew up listening to a diverse selection of music, and was most influenced by classic rock, blues, folk, and country western. He taught himself how to play guitar at the age of 23. He had been writing songs ever since. Ryan has played solo acoustic singer/songwriter sets locally in the central valley over the past decade. He has also toured the Western and Midwest states on several occasions, traveling with other artists such as Willy Tea Taylor, Tom VandenAvond, Cole Thomason, and Big Earl Matthews. In 2011 he recorded his first full length solo acoustic CD titled The Lonesome Traveler. Ryan was nominated for a Modesto Area Music Award in both 2012 and 2013 in singer/songwriter and indie/acoustic categories. He has played electric lead guitar for Christine McGrew at the State Theatre in Modesto at the 2013 MAMA Awards. In 2013 he started the Ryan Russell Band, a four-piece electric country/blues/rock band comprised of “Tractor Boy” Chris Ward on percussion, John Montes on bass, and Ray Vazira on Keyboard. In 2014 the Ryan Russell Band opened up for The Good Luck Thrift Store Outfit at the Gallo Center of the Arts in Modesto, California for the 90th annual Camp Jack Hazard benefit concert, as well as the Moonshine Bandits at the Fat Cat Lounge. www.ryanrussellmusic.com