By Andrea Reiher, Parade | Country singer and beloved Nashville session vocalist John Wesley Ryles has died. He was 74. The news was first shared by Tracy Pitcox, owner of Heart of Texas Records, who wrote on Facebook that Ryles had passed away. Pitcox’s label is well known for preserving the legacy of classic country artists, and the post quickly filled with tributes from fans and fellow musicians alike.
Tributes From Country Stars
Fellow country artist Mark Wills was among the first to share a heartfelt remembrance, calling Ryles “a GIANT in the music industry.”
“We lost a GIANT in the music industry today,” Wills wrote alongside a photo of Ryles. “John Wesley Ryles sang more harmonies on records, that to the listener, sounded like the artist themselves! He could blend with ANYBODY! John sang on my first four records and always had a flawless blend with the lead vocal. It was perfect. My condolences to Joni and his entire family! Please lift them up in prayer.”
In the comments, singer Craig Campbell (“Family Man,” “Keep Them Kisses Comin’”) added, “He sang on my first two albums and crushed it! Def one of a kind.”
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Read lots more about Mr. Ryles here:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainment/news/country-stars-mourn-death-of-giant-in-the-music-industry-john-wesley-ryles/