After 10 years of writing and performing songs as a career, Long is more aware of his role and persuaded by the part that his brand of music plays in the life of those who will listen. “Music and story are both messengers”, says Long, “the Message, ‘You are not alone’, is worth carrying, at any cost”. “If you find me on the road dead, I hope you will find me with the message in my hands”, he says with a grin.

Ryan grew up in East Tennessee and has stayed. His grandfather was a “folk” singer who combed the Appalachians collecting songs that he would later sing and play for various audiences. Now, Long carries the gift with him as he goes.

Long has sold over 60,000 of his 4 recordings independently and another 40,000 songs on itunes. He performs nationally for over 15,000 high school students each year. The majority of his work is with Young Life, a global non-profit mission for kids.

What people say:

“There is something beautiful in his music that has made Long an exceptional songwriter and a consistent favorite at PasteMusic.com”
Pastemusic.com

I get handed a cd or two at most shows, and most of them don't grab me, but I give them a quick listen - just in case one of them sounds like yours does.”
David Wilcox, What Are Records recording Artist


“There are some recordings whose depth and sophistication defy easy description. Long’s intimate, multi-layered lyrics are set in acoustic guitar-driven arrangements that perfectly complement the complex content and mood of each song. To hear his music is to be enlarged.”
Kemper Crabb, Grassroots Music


Ryan Long is a storyteller who seems to help me find 'the suburbs of Eden' in his art for the recounting of life's panoply of simple moments.
Joe Novenson