Member Profile

Ryan Joseph has been performing since he was 2 1⁄2 years old. Born in a small town outside of Pittsburgh, PA in 1985, he began with his Grandfather (who was also a fiddler) and his family’s polka band. Ryan was featured in this band, and he was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2004 with them. In fact, Ryan was even noted as an “incredible fiddler” in USA Today by former President and CEO of NARAS Michael Greene stating his wish for more time in the Grammy broadcast to feature talented young artists such as Ryan. Today, he can be heard singing and playing on hundreds of tracks on numerous recordings. Ryan appeared on Live with Regis and Kathie Lee when he was 11 years old singing and playing several instruments including fiddle, sax, guitar, bass, and piano. He has kept a busy touring and performance schedule throughout the country through the years, performing across the United States, Europe, Australia, South America, and on Caribbean Cruises. Ryan is not afraid of hard work, as he also graduated with a 4.0 average and a Music Education degree in 3 1⁄2 years from Duquesne University (Pittsburgh, PA).

Ryan loves country music, and after losing his Dad unexpectedly in 2006 he decided to take time to pursue this passion. When he was only 10 years old Ryan had the opportunity to play for renowned fiddle player Mark O’Connor, and this experience changed his life. Moving to Nashville in May 2007, Ryan became concertmaster of the orchestra at Belmont University where he has since graduated with his Master’s degree in Instrumental Pedagogy. Ryan also immediately became a member of the staff at the Country Music Hall of Fame, where he was consistently enlightened by the deep history of country music. Since arriving in Nashville, Ryan has had the honor of playing and singing along with many legends in the music business. He has also performed on the Academy of Country Music Awards, Good Morning America, the Today Show, the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, the Late Show with David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The View, Live with Kelly and Michael, Fox and Friends, Army Wives, ABC’s Nashville, and numerous times on the Grand ‘Ole Opry.

Currently Ryan tours with country music legend Alan Jackson, playing fiddle, mandolin, and singing harmony vocals. He has also performed, toured, or recorded with artists such as Billy Ray Cyrus, Jimmy Buffett, Laura Bell Bundy, Craig Morgan, Jamie O’Neal, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Bonnie Raitt, Lee Ann Womack, Zac Brown, Dierks Bentley, Chris Cagle, Kacey Musgraves, and Kellie Pickler. In addition, Ryan is doing a great deal of studio recording while working on his own solo career with 4-time Grammy nominated producer and musician, Charlie Kelley. Ryan has a strong respect for the tradition of country music and all of the artists before him, including the remarkable fiddle playing artists such as Roy Acuff, Charlie Daniels, Alison Krauss, and Ricky Skaggs. He hopes to continue the legacy of this music through the heritage and musical ideals that were given to him by his Grandfather, and the moral and personal ideals that were given to him by God, his parents, family, and friends.