Today we’d like to introduce you to Deb Ryder.
Deb, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a nationally and internationally recognized, nominated and award-winning blues singer/songwriter and recording artist currently residing in Topanga Canyon, CA.
My musical story begins a very young age when I would perform with my Dad Allan Swanson at some of the renowned nightclubs in Chicago, Ill. Dad was promoted to Regional Manager at Great Books of the Western World, Encyclopedia Britannica, Los Angeles Division and relocated the family to Malibu. Unfortunately, my parents divorced, and Mom settled us in Topanga Canyon where she met my Stepdad Ral Curren, and together they opened the world-famous Rock and Blues club the Topanga Corral.
Everyone who was anyone in music at that time played at the Corral. Weekly such greats as Neil Young, Etta James, Taj Mahal, Big Joe Turner, Canned Heat, Rick Vito, The Buffalo Springfield, Spanky and Our Gang graced the stage to sold-out crowds. We lived in a small house behind the club and since my room was closest to the back of the stage, there was no sleeping. Every night I would be in the club listening, learning and honing my craft. Eventually, I was opening for or performing between sets for these same acts and because them also lived in Topanga, they were neighbors and family friends. I was so lucky to be accepted and mentored by these greats! What an amazing time, experience and opportunity! This is when I decided to become a singer/songwriter.
I graduated William Howard Taft High School, Woodland Hills, CA and auditioned for the Roger Wagner Chorale and was accepted as a coloratura soprano at the age of 17! This came with a scholarship to attend UCLA and so I began a brief career as a classical artist, touring with the Chorale and the San Francisco Light Opera Company. My heart was still wrapped up with the idea of writing and performing my own music and so I returned to LA to get my career started! It was about then that I met my husband Ric Ryder a true rock and blues aficionado and consummate bass player, and together we performed all over! For years I enjoyed a lucrative career in LA as a session singer, performed on many national television commercials and performed on numerous hit Vegas shows. This brings us to present day!
I am blessed to be produced by Grammy Award-winning Producer Tony Braunagel and Co-Producer Ric Ryder. Five chart-topping award-winning albums of original music later and working on number six with VizzTone Record Label! I recently won all three categories I was nominated for in the Independent Blues Awards, Best Blues/Soul Artist, Best R&B/Soul Song and Best R&B/Soul CD for my latest album Memphis Moonlight. I have the finest luminaries in the genre playing on my records and am backed by The Phantom Blues Band, Johnny Lee Schell, Mike Finnigan, Joe Sublett, and Mark Pender.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think anyone who is a true performing and touring musician would say it was easy or particularly financially rewarding, but always well worth the struggle in my opinion. Booking and touring have always been especially challenging and the music business can be daunting especially if you don’t have a manager or booking agent. The current situation with Covid has made things three times harder, but you learn to roll with it. Performing live for enthusiastic fans and bringing your music to the people is its own reward.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am known for and most proud of my vocal talent, stage presence and songwriting. I receive review after review stating things like the following. These are only for my latest of five recordings.
“Deb Ryder is a top-shelf purveyor of blues and roots music who has the talent and presence needed to create her own legend. Highly recommended.” – Rock and Blues Muse – Mike O’Cull
2. “Among the top tier of contemporary female blues vocalists, Deb Ryder further distinguishes herself as a songwriter to be reckoned with! Five stars!” – Roots Music Report – Duane Vere
3. “Ryder continues to expand her base and she just gets better and better!” – Making A Scene – Richard
Ludmerer
4. “The release Memphis Moonlight, goosebumps from start to finish! Strong!” – Keys and Chords – Philip Verhaege
5. “Memphis Moonlight’ is a very strong release that completely captivates you from the first chords to the end” – Rootstime – Eric Schuurmans
6. “A barn-burning, roof-raising blues/R&B showroom set, it’s hard to imagine things getting any better than this. Flat out killer stuff!” – Midwest Record
7. “This is one of the finest blues albums I have heard in the past twenty years!” Blues Matters – Stephen Harrison
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I listen and learn daily to what came before and what is happening musically now. Although I am not completely influenced musically by everything I hear, I am certainly inspired! Much of my writing comes from life experiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: debryder.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbie.ryder.925
Image Credits:
Moses Sparks Photography
