Jimmy Ryan (guitarist)
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Jimmy Ryan | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | James Edmund Ryan Jr. |
| Born | November 17, 1946 |
| Occupation(s) |
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| Instrument(s) | Guitar |
| Years active | 1960–present |
| Member of |
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| Formerly of | |
James Edmund Ryan Jr (born November 17, 1946) professionally known as Jimmy Ryan, is an American guitarist, producer and arranger known for his music career spanning over six decades.[1] He was an original member of the 1960s band The Critters, with songs like "Younger Girl", "Mr. Dieingly Sad" and "Don’t Let The Rain Fall Down on Me".[2] He has collaborated with artists such as Carly Simon, Paul McCartney, Cat Stevens, Elton John, and Rod Stewart.[3] He has been inducted into the Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame receiving The Lifetime Achievement Award.[4] He is also known for composing music for television, including Themes for NBC News, CNBC and News 12 Networks. He is also known for CBS Sports 1998 Olympics Opening Theme plus the musical soundtrack for CBS Movie, “My Sergei”, Promotional music composition for Food Network, History Channel, Comedy Central, Showtime, USA Network, Lifetime, PBS and the Discovery Channel.[5]
Biography[edit]
He was born on November 17, 1946, to James Edmund Ryan Sr. and Elva Rockefeller Ryan.[6] Ryan attended Villanova University, but left in 1965 to pursue a career as a recording and touring musician.[5]
Career[edit]
He started his career in his teenage years when he secured a position as a studio guitarist, recording with renowned artists.[1] His collaborations with Carly Simon, Paul McCartney, and other luminaries catapulted him into the spotlight.[2]
His tenure with The Crazy World of Arthur Brown as a bassist during the late 1960s marked a significant transition, helping to promote the band's acclaimed hit "Fire".[7]
Subsequently, Ryan collaborated with musicians Paul Glanz and Andy Newmark to form the band Ivory, albeit briefly before his pivotal involvement with Carly Simon.[5]
Ryan's career collaborated with artists such as Cat Stevens, Jim Croce, Elton John & Kiki Dee, and Rod Stewart.[8] He also worked as a studio musician at recording studios like Trident, Morgan Studios, and Olympic Recording in London, as well as Hit Factory, Record Plant and the Power Station in New York City.[9]
In the 90s and 2000s, Ryan ventured into television scoring, for networks such as NBC, CNBC, and MSNBC, as well as collaborations with The Discovery Channel and PBS.[6] In 2010, Ryan formed The Hit Men, a band.[10] On September 3, 2023, Ryan was inducted into the Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame and given their Lifetime Achievement Award.[11] On November 5, 2022, Ryan was commissioned by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to assist with the induction of Carly Simon, and performed his 1972 solo from the original "You're So Vain" recording with Olivia Rodrigo.[12]
References[edit]
- ^ a b Amelotti, David (16 February 2022). "'You're So Vain' guitarist & Fairfield resident releases new book on six decades in music". KGAN.
- ^ a b "Jimmy Ryan - The Critters: "Younger Girl" And "Mr. Dieingly Sad". Long Career With Carly Simon. Composer And Author". Follow Your Dream Podcast.
- ^ "The Hit Men: 2019 Musicians Hall of Fame Award-Winners Tickets - May 10, 2019 | Blue Gate Theatre | Shipshewana, Indiana". BlueGateTheatre.com.
- ^ "THE HIT MEN, Classic Rock's Legendary Side Men, Launch 2019 U.S. Tour Adding Deeper Classic Tracks From Their Rich History". MusicPlayers.com. 22 January 2019.
- ^ a b c Ragogna, Mike (2 December 2021). "Jimmy Ryan Talks about Six Decades in the Music Industry - Iowa Source". Iowa Source.
- ^ a b Koob, Ray. "Ray Koob's Interview With The Hitmen's Jimmy Ryan". WMGK.
- ^ "Jimmy Ryan Tells All: Memoir Reveals a Star-Studded Life Behind the Scenes - Iowa Source". 2021-12-01. Retrieved 2024-05-08.
- ^ "THE HIT MEN, Classic Rock's Legendary Side Men, Launch 2019 U.S. Tour Adding Deeper Classic Tracks From Their Rich History". MusicPlayers.com. 22 January 2019.
- ^ "Legendary Musicians, The Hit Men, are at Husson's Gracie Theatre for Two Nights During Homecoming Weekend". Husson University.
- ^ Webb, Steve. "Hit Men perform popular songs they recorded with Valli, James". The Gainesville Sun.
- ^ "Heroes Behind The Hits with Jimmy Ryan". The Southwest Iowa News Source. Retrieved 2024-05-08.
- ^ Smith, Troy L. (28 October 2022). "Carly Simon's tribulations and triumphs gave modern women a voice". cleveland.