Beloved country music star John Wesley Ryles dies age 74: ‘We lost a giant in the industry’

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Country music star John Wesley Ryles has died aged 74.

According to Heart of Texas Records, the musician passed away in the early morning of November 2nd.

Ryles’s cause of death is not yet known. 

Born and raised in Bastrop, Louisiana, Ryles began performing professionally as a child. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, they sang gospel music on the radio as part of the Ryles Family Singers.

He signed to Columbia Records in 1967 and released his debut single, Kay, when he was just 17.

Ryles had one song reach the top 10 during his career: “Once in a Lifetime Thing,” which was released in 1977.

He’s also famous for songs like “I’ve Just Been Wasting My Time,” “Fool,” “Shine on Me (The Sun Still Shines When It Rains),” “Liberated Woman,” and “Louisiana Rain.”

Ryles released his last single, Nobody Knows, in 1988.

Ryles’ nephew paid tribute to him in an emotional statement shared on Facebook.

He was married to my Aunt Joni and was considered family. Everyone loved him – he was a wonderfully talented singer and artist, but more importantly, a truly great person.

‘He had several hits as a solo artist, and was an A-team harmony singer in Nashville for decades.’

He added: ‘He was a kind, talented, and loving man, and he will be missed by all of us.’

Country music star Mark Wills also offered his condolences in a tribute posted on Instagram.

Alongside a photo of the late musician, he said: ‘We lost a GIANT in the music industry today.

John Wesley Ryles was known for singing harmonies so perfectly that they often sounded like the main artist’s voice.

He had an incredible ability to harmonize with anyone! John sang on my first four albums and consistently created a seamless blend with the main vocals – it always sounded perfect.

‘My condolences to Joni and his entire family! Please lift them up in prayer.’

Another social media user commented: ‘So sad. I still listen to his songs Kay and Fool.

I always felt he didn’t get the appreciation he deserved. Many people enjoy his beautiful harmonies without realizing how talented he truly is.

Someone else expressed their shock and sadness on Facebook, saying they were heartbroken to hear the news. They remembered John as both a talented singer and a wonderful person.

I’m just heartbroken. It’s not just losing Ryles, but thinking about Joni Lee, his wife – she’s Conway Twitty’s daughter, you know? A legend’s daughter is going through this right now, and it just…it makes it all feel so much heavier. I can’t imagine what she must be going through.

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2025-11-05 17:48