Ryan Long

Ryan Long is an American singer-songwriter associated with americana and Christian music. He starts writing songs and playing guitar at nineteen while studying engineering technology at East Tennessee State University. His work develops around story songs, with influences from James Taylor and Garth Brooks, and he is known for an Appalachian folk-pop style that places him alongside artists such as John Gorka, Pierce Pettis and David Wilcox.

Career

Long begins performing regularly in 1997 through a relationship with Young Life, playing at more than twenty camps across the United States. He then releases his debut album, Cry for Me, by the end of 1998. The record is produced by Michael Aukofer at Word/Myrhh studios in Nashville and features contributions from Phil Keaggy, Phil Madeira and Cristi Johnson of Alathea. Its arrangements include Hammond organ, hammered dulcimer and Celtic bagpipes.

In 1999, his music appears on two compilations. Paste includes “Face It Alone” from Cry for Me on Paste Music Sampler 1, and The Awakening Compilation, vol. 3 includes the title track from the same album.

In 2000, Alathea records “Gypsy”, a song co-written by Long and Brad Layher. Long also records his own version of the song on Waiting by the Window, produced by Aukofer at the Whitehouse in Nashville. Paste Music later describes the album as the year’s “Best Follow-up CD”. Grassroots Music also adds “The Wind in Me”, the opening track from the album, to its Dialects compilation for Americana/Folk.

For Send Up a Flare, recorded in 2003, Long works with producer Ed Cash. The sessions use only three other musicians: Ken Lewis, Ben Shive and Byron House. The record places emphasis on Long’s vocals and guitar, and his lyrics and guitar work are presented in a more stripped-back setting.

Style and performance

Long’s songs are described as detailed and narrative, with smooth baritone vocals and a close, direct delivery. He performs as a solo artist throughout his career, despite the many supporting musicians on his recordings. His performances and personal, introspective writing help him build a loyal following.

Other activity

Long sells over 20,000 CDs as an independent artist. He lives on Signal Mountain in Chattanooga with his wife Carmen and their children, Rebecca and Carson.