Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Weaver.
Hi Ryan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up with a family of eleven in a small town in Floral City, Florida, joining the Army right after high school. After several years as a Military Intelligence Analyst, I followed in my two older brothers’ (Steve and Aaron) footsteps by attending Warrant Officer Candidate School and flight school. I graduated top of his class in flight school, becoming a Black Hawk Aviator.
In April 2003, I deployed to Baghdad International Airport in Iraq, and shortly afterward Aaron was deployed
just west of me in Fallujah. On January 8th, 2004, Aaron was killed in action when the Medivac helicopter he was a passenger in was shot down by enemy fire.
In 2013, my brother-in-law, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Randy Billings, was also killed in action when the Black Hawk helicopter he was piloting was shot down by an enemy ground-detonated explosive device. This second
heartbreaking loss made our family a two-time Gold Star family. I used this heartache as fuel for my fire to succeed. Both of my brothers’ ultimate sacrifices continue to be driving forces to accomplish my dreams in music, speaking and entrepreneurship.
After retiring from the Army in 2012, I moved to Nashville, releasing my first single and music video, “Crank It.” In 2014 and 2015, the success of that music video on national television led to bigger opportunities as an independent artist. I performed at the Ryman Auditorium in 2014, Bridgestone Arena and the Grand Ole Opry in 2015, all with Charlie Daniels.
In 2016, I released my hit single and music video “BURN” featuring Benghazi Heroes Kris “Tanto” Paranto and
John “Tig” Tiegen. “BURN” which launched my career to the next level. Professional Bull Riders (PBR) CEO Sean Gleason discovered me at a Veteran’s non-profit 80’s rock concert in 2016, and in 2017, I became the PBR World Finals headliner for the Saturday night concert in T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, a performance slot held by Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler the year before.
Throughout 2018 and 2019, I performed as the “Patriotic Voice of the PBR” in 24 major arenas across the nation and internationally in Australia. Major performances included Madison Square Garden and AT&T Stadium in
Arlington, TX. In addition, I recorded the first single on the album “Songs That Save Our Lives” with the West Point Military Academy’s Benny Havens Band, which was nominated for a GRAMMY Award.
During the COVID-19 shut down, my “Old Glory” cowboy boot line with Lane Boots expanded across the nation to the shelves of Boot Barn while I recorded two new singles, “No Second Chance” and “Let’s Talk About
Heroes.” Both were released with music videos in September and November 2021.
In 2022, Ryan continued speaking and performing across the US and in Australia, combining motivational speaking and concerts at the Great American Summit and Mitsubishi Electric TRANE US corporate events. I also expanded my partner brand relationships with Liberty Home Concealment, Grit Gear Apparel and Forj’d America. With a strong desire to broaden my resume, I was cast in my first major acting role as the lead in a feature film, “A Knight to Remember” as well as in a commercial for Wheel Chairs for Warriors with “Battleship” star Greg Gadson.
During 2023, I performed across the United States while focusing on brand expansion, writing and recording.
2024 began with my long anticipated release of “What You Think of Me,” a single I co-wrote in honor of my brother, Aaron. The single and two music videos(one performance, one extended director’s cut) were released on
Recently, I was highlighted on my first magazine cover for “At Ease Magazine.”
2025 has been a year focused on writing my book, writing and recording new music, speaking and performing while continuing to market my partner brands.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The music business and entrepreneurship are always a grind, but my military background has kept me disciplined and driven. Perhaps the biggest struggle, which really isn’t much of a struggle at all, is being considered an artist and entrepreneur as much as a Veteran.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
There are many things I’m extremely proud of when it comes to my military and music careers. I am extremely proud to have had a career serving in the military for the greatest country on the planet along with my three brothers and sister, with a long family history of military service.
I began performing in the bar and club scene while I was on active duty and moved up to opening for major artists like Montgomery Gentry, Trace Adkins, Blake Shelton, Craig Morgan and more in just 7 months. I’m incredibly proud of my co-written music, music videos and performances that have all been accomplished without formal management or a record deal. There aren’t many independent artists with no song on the radio who can say they performed on stages in the venues I’ve seen, and I’ll have those memories forever. I’ve been able to make a living with my own clothing, boot, accessory and home product lines without the help of a major label which really is an example of living the American dream.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I’ve never had a major investor. All of this has either been self or crowd-funded. I also have co-written all but two of my own songs, but I do not play guitar. Well, I can play, but I can’t sing and play at the same time. I have gained the respect of my band musicians, as though I don’t play guitar, I have an ear for music. Another surprising thing is that two of my band members have been with me for over 10 years. That is rare in Nashville as an independent artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ryanweaver.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanweavercountry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.weaver1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/weavercountry
