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Ryan Shaw
Ryan Shaw
Ryan Shaw
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Key Information

Ryan Christopher Shaw (born December 25, 1980) is an American soul musician from Georgia. He is part of the soul-revival movement in music[1] and has been nominated for a Grammy three times, in the category of Best Traditional R&B Performance.

Biography

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Shaw is from Decatur, Georgia.[2] He learned to sing at the Free Church of God in Christ of Atlanta, Georgia[1] and began singing harmony in a church choir at age five.[2] In a 2007 interview, Shaw stated "My church was very traditional, and for a long time the only songs I learned were gospel songs."[1]

Shaw won a spot in a gospel musical at Georgia State University, and in 1998 he dropped out of college to take part in Tyler Perry's play I Know I've Been Changed. At the end of the play's run he began doing Motown covers in New York, joining the group Fabulous Soul Shakers in 2004. He recorded a demo in 2006, won the ear of Columbia Records, and was signed to said label. The album, This is Ryan Shaw, mixes new material with covers of songs by Wilson Pickett, Bobby Womack, and Jackie Wilson. He was the opening act for the Van Halen tour 07-08.

At the end of 2009, Shaw reached some fame in the Netherlands with his single It Gets Better, which peaked at number 2 on the single top 100 charts. On May 15, 2012 Ryan Shaw released Real Love on Dynotone Records.

In 2013, Shaw made his debut on Broadway, playing Stevie Wonder in Motown: The Musical.[2] In June 2015, Shaw advanced from the auditions to Judge Cuts Week on season 10 of America's Got Talent. However, in July 2015, he was eliminated from the competition during Judge Cuts Week 2.[3] In 2018, Shaw played Judas in the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre/Lyric Opera of Chicago production of Jesus Christ Superstar.[4]

Awards and nominations

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Grammy Award

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Year Nominee / work Award Result
2008 "I Am Your Man" Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance Nominated[5]
2011 "In Between" Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance Nominated[5]
2014 "Yesterday" Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance Nominated[5]

Discography

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  • This Is Ryan Shaw (2007) #22 Billboard Heatseekers
  • It Gets Better (2010)
  • Real Love (2012)
  • Imagining Marvin (2020)

References

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Ryan Shaw

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Ryan Shaw is an American singer and songwriter known for his classic soul and R&B style, often drawing comparisons to legends like Sam Cooke and Otis Redding for his emotive vocals and traditional approach to the genre. Born in Decatur, Georgia (born December 25, 1980), Shaw rose to prominence with his major-label debut album This Is Ryan Shaw in 2007, released by Columbia Records, which showcased his ability to blend vintage soul with contemporary production. A three-time Grammy nominee in Best Traditional R&B Performance, he has since released additional albums independently, maintaining a focus on authentic soul music and live performances that highlight his range and interpretive skill. Shaw has also contributed to various compilations and collaborations within the soul and gospel communities, earning recognition among fans of the genre for his dedication to its roots.

Early life

Birth and background

Ryan Shaw was born on December 25, 1980, in Decatur, Georgia, USA. He grew up in Decatur, Georgia, in a region known for its vibrant musical heritage in the American South. His early environment would later influence his musical path, though his professional career began later.

Early musical influences and development

Ryan Shaw grew up in Decatur, Georgia, where he was immersed in gospel music from an early age in a deeply religious Pentecostal family, beginning to sing in church at the age of five through regular participation in church choirs and services. His vocal development was deeply rooted in the traditional Black church experience, which emphasized powerful, emotive singing and call-and-response techniques that later became hallmarks of his soul style. Shaw has frequently cited gospel as the primary foundation for his musical identity, noting in interviews that singing in church taught him dynamics, phrasing, and emotional delivery. Among his key early influences were classic soul and R&B legends whose recordings he absorbed during his childhood and teenage years. Shaw has specifically named Otis Redding, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, and Aretha Franklin as formative figures, often crediting their music—particularly Redding's raw intensity and Charles's blend of gospel and blues—for shaping his approach to soul singing. He also drew inspiration from Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, whose melodic and rhythmic innovations he studied closely while developing his own voice. During his pre-professional years in the 1990s and early 2000s, Shaw performed locally in Georgia, including school events, community gatherings, and occasional open mic nights in the Atlanta area, which allowed him to refine his stage presence and repertoire. These experiences built his confidence and distinctive style before he relocated to New York City to pursue broader opportunities in music.

Music career

Beginnings and rise to prominence

Ryan Shaw began his professional music career after relocating to New York City in 1998, where he joined the cast of Tyler Perry's gospel stage production I Know I've Been Changed. Following the show's run, he secured a steady performing role at the Motown Café in Manhattan, where he sang classic soul repertoire from artists such as Marvin Gaye and the Four Tops, marking his first major exposure to secular music. In 2004, Shaw joined the Fabulous Soul Shakers, a New York-based vocal group specializing in classic soul and doo-wop, which aligned closely with his gospel-rooted style. The group's guitarist and veteran musician Johnny Gale recognized Shaw's talent and introduced him to producer Jimmy Bralower, known for his work with artists including Madonna and Steve Winwood. In 2006, Bralower attended a performance by Shaw and was impressed, leading to recording sessions in Bralower's Long Island studio with Gale and the Fabulous Soul Shakers. These sessions produced initial tracks that blended reinterpretations of obscure soul gems with original material in a 1960s style, which attracted the attention of label executives. Shaw subsequently signed with One Haven/Columbia Records, and his debut album This Is Ryan Shaw was released in April 2007. The album's release established him as a voice in the soul revival movement, with early singles gaining placement in network television promotions and opportunities to open for artists such as Joss Stone. This period marked his initial public recognition as a distinctive soul singer capable of bridging classic influences with contemporary appeal.

Solo albums and releases

Ryan Shaw's solo discography features a series of albums that highlight his soul and R&B influences. His debut album, This Is Ryan Shaw, was released in 2007 by Columbia Records. This project established his style with classic soul elements and received critical attention for its authentic vocal delivery. He followed with In Between in 2009, an EP-length release of six tracks that continued his homage to traditional soul and R&B. The work maintained his focus on heartfelt ballads and funky rhythms. In 2012, Shaw released Real Love on Dynotone Records, a 12-track album lasting 38 minutes that further explored soulful themes. These three projects—This Is Ryan Shaw, In Between, and Real Love—collectively earned him three Grammy nominations. More recent solo releases include Imagining Marvin in 2020 on Broadway Records and First Ride in 2022, with OFF Broadway slated for 2025. These later works reflect his ongoing evolution as an independent artist while preserving his signature vocal approach.

Grammy nominations and recognition

Ryan Shaw has earned three Grammy nominations in the field of traditional R&B and soul music, reflecting his reputation for authentic vocal performances rooted in classic styles. He has not won any Grammy Awards. His first nomination came at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards in 2008 in the Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance category for the song "I Am Your Man." This recognition highlighted his emergence as a soul revivalist following his debut album release. Shaw received a second nomination in the same category at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards in 2011 for the song "In Between." His presence at the nominees reception that year further underscored the industry's acknowledgment of his work during that period. His third nomination occurred at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards in 2014 in the Best Traditional R&B Performance category for the song "Yesterday." These consistent nominations across several years demonstrate sustained respect within the music industry for Shaw's commitment to traditional R&B vocal traditions.

Film and television contributions

Soundtrack appearances and credits

Ryan Shaw's music has appeared in several film and television soundtracks, primarily through the licensing of tracks from his solo albums and recordings for use in motion pictures and TV series. His song "You've Made Me So Very Happy" was featured on the soundtrack for the romantic comedy Bride Wars (2009). Tracks by Shaw also contributed to the soundtracks of My Blueberry Nights (2007) with "We Got Love", Contraband (2012) with "Mama May I", and Soul Men (2008) with "The Memphis Train", where his soulful recordings added to the projects' musical landscapes. His music has additionally appeared in TV series such as Grey's Anatomy (2011) with "Morning Noon & Night", Vinyl (2016) with "Am I Human", and Dancing with the Stars (2008) with "I Do the Jerk". These placements highlight how his recorded work has been selected to enhance storytelling in film and television, rather than involving original compositions or scoring created specifically for the projects.

Personal life

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