John Wesley Ryles dead: Tributes pour in as beloved country music star dies

Country music singer John Wesley Ryles has died aged 74. Although his cause of death has yet to be confirmed, his nephew paid lead tribute to him in an emotional statement shared on Facebook. He penned: "He was married to my Aunt Joni, and we all loved him like blood. He was an amazing singer, and artist, and an even more amazing man. He had several hits as a solo artist and was an A-team harmony singer in Nashville for decades." Ryles' nephew added: "He was a kind, talented, and loving man, and he will be missed by all of us."

According to reports from Heart of Texas Records, the musician died in the early hours of November 2. Born in Bastrop, Louisiana, Ryles began his professional singing career during childhood, performing gospel music on radio programs in the late 1950s and early 1960s with the Ryles Family Singers. In 1967, he signed with Columbia Records and released his debut single, "Kay," at the age of 17. Throughout his career, Ryles scored one top 10 hit with his 1977 track, Once in a Lifetime Thing.

He is also best known for his songs, I've Just Been Wasting My Time, Fool, Shine on Me (The Sun Still Shines When It Rains), Liberated Woman, and Louisiana Rain. However, Ryles released his last single, Nobody Knows, in 1988.

Among the tributes poured in from fans, fellow country music star Mark Wills also honoured Ryles with a touching post on Instagram.

Alongside a photo of the late singer, Mark wrote: "We lost a GIANT in the music industry today. John Wesley Ryles sang more harmonies on records, that to the listener, sounded like the artist themselves!

"He could blend with ANYBODY! John sang on my first four records and always had a flawless blend with the lead vocal. It was perfect.

The singer concluded: "My condolences to Joni and his entire family! Please lift them up in prayer."

Another country music star, John White, penned a lengthy tribute and added: "Man, what a loss. John Wesley Ryles. An absolute Giant in our industry. An incredible songwriter and an outstanding singer.

"When I moved to town and started singing demos for publishers and writers John Wesley and I would pass each other in the hallways of studios all over Nashville. I was always in awe. His skills were unmatched."

"What an inspiration. Man what a legacy. John will be missed. Prayers for the Ryles family," he added.

Other fans also paid tributes, as one shared: "So sad. I still listen to his songs Kay and Fool. He was never given the recognition he deserved in my opinion. His harmonies are heard by many never knowing what a Star he's always been."