Music Is For The SOUL

 

That’s the premise on which Roger Ryan has built his musical career. Roger is a graduate of Oakwood College, where he majored in Piano Performance and Graduate studies in Arranging at The University Of Alabama ,Tuscaloosa which launched his producing career.

 

Roger is an eight-time Grammy, Dove nominated, and Juno Award winning  producer has considerable experience. His work has run the full spectrum of the industry and has spanned a wide range of genres. Directing multiple choirs and small groups, his talents have taken him around to world; Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, the Fiji Islands, Vienna, Germany, Milan, the Ukraine, Hungary, the UK and Moscow just to name a few.

 

Highlights in his career include (production/performances):

• First Music Director for Gospel diva, Cece Winans

• Musician with Country/Pop great Wynonna Judd

• Arranging and production for Reverend Shirley Caesar (Queen of Gospel)

• Written and/or arranged music for various recording artists such as: Yolanda Adams, Alvin Slaughter, and others.

• Invitation from actress Ashley Judd to play for her wedding in Scotland

• Touring Europe as a vocalist with the acclaimed group Take 6

•  Live performances with artist such as (Just to name a few): Whitney Houston, Faith Hill, Michael W. Smith, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Earl Klugh, Kirk Whalum, Denise Williams, Amy Grant, Kenny Rogers, Fred Hammond, Jackie Velasquez, Crystal Gale, Karen Clark Sheard, Anointed, Desmond Pringle, the Blue Notes.

 

Though Roger’s gifts has made room for him worldwide, he has also been dedicated to local church ministries, like Minister of Music for Grace Pointe Church. Additionally, he is a skilled music teacher and has conducted music and producer workshops in select cities. He is currently involved in numerous recording projects through his production company, After Touch Music, founded in the early 90’s.

 

“After Touch Music” is the culmination of his vision and a lifetime of work. For Roger, music is spiritual.

 

“I truly do believe that music is for the soul and should come from the depths of who we are…from the core. The mind isn’t deep enough, neither is the heart. To inspire it must come from the soul.”

 

Recognizing that there are countless talented individuals who slip through the cracks of major record labels, Roger’s goal is to provide an alternative avenue for artists to bring their music to life and to the world.

 

Additional Performance Accomplishments:

• Co-Produced televised White House For Bill Clinton, Program for PBS

• Appearances on Good Morning America, NBC Today Show, Rosie O’Donnell Show, Gordon Elliot Show, Fox After Breakfast, Vibe Show and Motown Live , CBS this morning

• George Bush’s Presidential Dinner

• Lilo & Stitch Movie Premiere, Hollywood

• Walt Disney World’s 25th Anniversary Celebration, Florida

• Wonderful World of Disney Television Program performance

• 1996 Summer Olympics, Atlanta

• Billy Graham Telecast, Minneapolis Superdome

• UNCF Parade of Stars with Lou Rawls, Apollo Theater

• Songwriter’s Hall of Fame Induction: Tribute to Diana Ross

• Vh1 Save the Music Show, NAMM Trade Convention; shared stage with Donna Summer, Gino Vanelli, David Peck, Tony Rich, Tommy Simms and others

• Cinema Awards Tributes to: Bob Hope, Morgan Freeman, Richard Dreyfus and Susan Lucci; other performers included Tony Bennett, Chaka Kahn, Michael Bolton, The Four Tops and others.

• Arranged and Directed Duke Ellington’s Martin Luther King Celebration, featuring Della Reese

• Indianapolis500; presentation with Wynonna Judd and Brian McKnight

• Para Olympics Opening Ceremonies with Stevie Wonder and Donnie Osmond

• Goodwill Games Opening Ceremony , Cece Winans, Natalie Cole, Brandy , etc.

• Collaborative work with Patti Austin and the San Francisco Orchestra; O Freedom, an Evolution of African American Music

• Produced and Directed Walter Hawkins Tribute Concert, Oakwood College, Huntsville, AL

• Donnie McClurkin at the Gathering of Champions, London

• Richard Smallwood at the Millennium Celebration, London

• Music Director for the “A Tour” with Sony/Columbia artists Anointed, Avalon and Nicole Nordeman

 

Discography available upon request