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Country singer and beloved Nashville session vocalist John Wesley Ryles<\/strong> has died. He was 74.<\/p>\n The news was first shared by Tracy Pitcox<\/strong>, owner of Heart of Texas Records, who wrote on Facebook<\/a> that Ryles had passed away. Pitcox\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Fellow country artist Mark Wills<\/a><\/strong> was among the first to share a heartfelt remembrance, calling Ryles \u201ca GIANT in the music industry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe lost a GIANT in the music industry today,\u201d Wills wrote alongside a photo of Ryles<\/a>. \u201cJohn 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.\u201d<\/p>\n RELATED: Country Legend Mark Chesnutt Breaks Silence on Recent Health Scare & Tour Cancellations<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n In the comments, singer Craig Campbell<\/strong> (\u201cFamily Man,\u201d \u201cKeep Them Kisses Comin\u2019\u201d) added, “He sang on my first two albums and crushed it! Def one of a kind.\u201d<\/p>\n Session singer Penny Cardin-Loden<\/strong> also paid tribute, writing<\/a>, \u201cWhen 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\u2026 today he has gone to be with our Savior \ud83d\ude22\ud83d\udc94 prayers for all who loved him.\u201d<\/p>\n Born in Bastrop, Louisiana, in 1950, Ryles launched his career at just 17 with the 1968 single \u201cKay,\u201d a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot Country chart and the title track to his debut album for Columbia Records.<\/p>\n He went on to record for multiple labels throughout the 1970s and \u201980s, earning chart success with songs including \u201cOnce in a Lifetime Thing\u201d (No. 5), \u201cLiberated Woman\u201d (No. 14), \u201cAlways on My Mind\u201d (No. 20), and \u201cLouisiana Rain\u201d (No. 20).<\/p>\n After 1988, Ryles became one of Nashville\u2019s most in-demand background vocalists, lending harmonies to hits by Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Randy Travis, Blake Shelton<\/strong>, and many others. He also wrote \u201cStarting Over Again\u201d for Steve Wariner<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Ryles was married to Joni Lee, the daughter of country legend Conway Twitty<\/strong>.<\/p>\n RELATED: \u2018Dukes of Hazzard\u2019 Stars Rally Around Catherine Bach Amid Hospitalization<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Following Pitcox\u2019s announcement, friends and fans flooded Facebook with emotional tributes.<\/p>\n \u201cI 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\u2014three songs in the Top 20 and opening for Willie Nelson. He was probably the best kept secret Nashville ever had. I am heartbroken,\u201d one musician wrote.<\/p>\n 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 \u2018Kay,\u2019 it\u2019s always been one of my favorite songs.\u201d<\/p>\n \ud83c\udfac\u00a0<\/strong>SIGN UP for Parade\u2019s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0\ud83c\udfac<\/strong><\/p>\n A longtime friend added, “I got to back him up when \u2018Fool\u2019 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\u2026 My wife Teresa and Joni have been great friends for quite a while and was really heartbroken when she found out about John\u2019s passing. I had hoped to get to visit with John the next trip to Nashville. Guess I\u2019ll have to wait till I get to heaven. Prayers for peace and comfort for Joni and the family. R.I.P. my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n As Mark Wills wrote, Ryles\u2019 ability to \u201cblend with anybody\u201d made him a cornerstone of the Nashville sound for decades \u2014 his voice quietly but powerfully intertwined with some of country music\u2019s biggest hits.<\/p>\n This story was originally reported by Parade<\/a> on Nov 3, 2025, where it first appeared in the News<\/a> section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\nTributes From Country Stars<\/h2>\n
A Career That Spanned Generations<\/h2>\n
Fans Remember \u2018The Best Kept Secret Nashville Ever Had\u2019<\/h2>\n