Ryan Long's Story
There is music to entertain, music to dance to, and music to share politics or anothers perspective. And then there are songs that seem to have the ability to open up our soul and express all the pain, joy, loneliness, hope, despair, fear and faith that we keep hidden there. The writer proclaims, "You are not alone! You are not crazy!" He tells a story of what we all deeply feel, but few find freedom or words to express. Then there are voices like Ryan Long that not only speak for us, but to us. Not content to expose the pain we hide so well, Ryan passes on the balm of hope and forgiveness that have brought him so much freedom and healing. He urges us to risk love one more time. He whispers to us that our lives do have meaning and purpose as he reminds himself. He comforts us not only by being a fellow traveler on this journey we call life, but by showing himself to be pretty handy with a compass and a map!
Ryan Long is a native of Tennessee after having lived in Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Johnson City. He surrendered to Jesus while in High school and became a Young Life Leader reaching out to high school kids while attending East Tennessee State University. Through his involvement with Young Life, Ryan discovered his gift of songwriting and music. He went on staff with YL after college, and supplied special music at camps and churches on weekends. Ryan felt called to minister full time with his music in the summer of āā‚¬Ā˜97. He has continued to sing for Young Life camps and various Christian gatherings as well as for university and college groups He has a real heart for outreach (which his songs naturally lend themselves to) and loves to play in bars, coffee houses and basically any place where the people and atmosphere provide the possibility of intimacy.

Ryan released his first CD in July of 98. "Cry For Me"was produced by Michael Aukofer and includes the instrumentation of Phil Keaggy, Phil Madeira and many others.Although generally termed acoustic folk, each song has its own distinct character provided by the composition of a wide range of instruments.This album displays beautiful violin and cello contrasted to eerie electric guitar and drums. The uilleann pipes will thrill you! Ryans style been compared to to David Wilcox, Bebo Norman, and Pierce Pettis. His rich melodies draw you in. His poetic lyrics keep you. He is a natural story teller. Songs like his "Daughters Dance" have touched both Christian and secular audiences alike with its vivid picture of the Fathers love. Ryan has us identify with a person struggling with the meaning of life in "Do You Hold Me?". We wail with Ellie Marie in "Cry for Me" for childlike passion.

Ryan connects with his listeners. He is honest in expressing the pain of the Fall as he has experienced it first hand and does not cower from discussing issues like sexual abuse and suicide. He does not pretend to have all the answers, and is up front with his own failures and doubt, but he is always brought back to and staggered by Grace.