John Wesley Ryles obit

Country Stars Mourn Death of ‘Giant in the Music Industry’ John Wesley Ryles

 He was not on the list.

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.

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.”

Session singer Penny Cardin-Loden also paid tribute, writing, “When I first started doing session work in the recording industry in Nashville a lifetime ago, there was one voice that it was my honor to share harmonies with and that was John Wesley Ryles… today he has gone to be with our Savior 😢💔 prayers for all who loved him.”

A Career That Spanned Generations

Born in Bastrop, Louisiana, in 1950, Ryles launched his career at just 17 with the 1968 single “Kay,” a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot Country chart and the title track to his debut album for Columbia Records.

He went on to record for multiple labels throughout the 1970s and ’80s, earning chart success with songs including “Once in a Lifetime Thing” (No. 5), “Liberated Woman” (No. 14), “Always on My Mind” (No. 20), and “Louisiana Rain” (No. 20).

After 1988, Ryles became one of Nashville’s most in-demand background vocalists, lending harmonies to hits by Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Randy Travis, Blake Shelton, and many others. He also wrote “Starting Over Again” for Steve Wariner.

Ryles was married to Joni Lee, the daughter of country legend Conway Twitty.

Fans Remember ‘The Best Kept Secret Nashville Ever Had’

Following Pitcox’s announcement, friends and fans flooded Facebook with emotional tributes.

“I talked to Joni last night. JWR was the absolute best boss I ever had. I was blessed to work for him during the Warner Brothers and MTM years—three songs in the Top 20 and opening for Willie Nelson. He was probably the best kept secret Nashville ever had. I am heartbroken,” one musician wrote.

Another fan shared, "This makes me very sad. The one time I met Joni, I told her that I was sure people were forever telling her how much they loved her Dad, but that I loved her husband even more. From the very first time I heard ‘Kay,’ it’s always been one of my favorite songs.”

A longtime friend added, "I got to back him up when ‘Fool’ was hot. A club somewhere in south Louisiana with local country band, Ray and the Hilltoppers. John was a great guy and we became buddies right away. A very talented vocalist… My wife Teresa and Joni have been great friends for quite a while and was really heartbroken when she found out about John’s passing. I had hoped to get to visit with John the next trip to Nashville. Guess I’ll have to wait till I get to heaven. Prayers for peace and comfort for Joni and the family. R.I.P. my friend.”

As Mark Wills wrote, Ryles’ ability to “blend with anybody” made him a cornerstone of the Nashville sound for decades — his voice quietly but powerfully intertwined with some of country music’s biggest hits.