Ryder Grimes writes and sings his way to the top of the Texas Country Music Charts

HOUSTON, TX -- It has been an incredible year for 19-year-old Ryder Grimes of Poetry, Texas. He is paving his way in the Texas Music Scene with a debut album, Emerging Artist of the Year award, and now his first No.1 single with a song he wrote on his own – “In My Boots.”

“‘In My Boots,’ is one of those songs that just makes you want to get up and dance, and that was my initial thought going into the writing process. I wrote it from a guy’s point of view who is nervous to ask a pretty girl at the bar to dance. Our main character in the song also knows that if he doesn’t act fast, some other guy is going to ask the girl to dance, leaving him lonely. To all my guys out there – we’ve all been there!” said Grimes. “I wrote this song solo, and to this day, it is one of my absolute favorite songs to perform in our live show.”

Texas radio and fans alike offer great reviews of the chart-topping song – and it’s not just the lyrics and melody they love. Grimes’ mature voice and delivery immediately draw people in and are reminiscent of a young Randy Travis or Keith Whitley.

The Texas country music industry has recognized Grimes twice this year, first with a spot in a Future Faces showcase in March, and then as the Emerging Artist of the Year last month at the Texas Country Music Awards.

“It has been quite the year that is for sure. I am beyond thankful and so blessed to be doing what I’m doing. The Future Faces show was a blast, and to perform and win at the Texas Country Music Awards was an honor. That was the first award I have ever won, so it was neat to bring home some hardware,” added Grimes. “I had a blast with all of my friends, old and new, and I hope to return next year.”

Grimes is also celebrating the release of his debut album, “Ready or Not," which dropped last month and offers seven songs, including his first release to radio, “Velvet Chains.” Grimes’ rendition of the Gary Morris classic climbed to the No. 8 spot on the Texas chart.

“I love all the songs on this little record. We started recording this thing two and a half years ago. It’s finally here, and I couldn’t be prouder,” Grimes added.

While only 19 years old, Grimes has been playing music since he was 11. Growing up in the small town of Poetry – 40 miles east of Dallas – he credits his family for instilling in him a love for music. His mom and sisters always had music on in the house, and his dad played guitar and performed '70s - ‘90s country music.

“As I got older, my love for music only grew deeper and that inspired me to pick up the guitar and a notepad. The rest is history,” he said.

Grimes has played more than 115 shows this year and has opened for some of his favorite Texas country artists like Randy Rogers, Wade Bowen, and Josh Ward. His goals for 2024 are simple – write more country music, meet new faces, and play a lot more shows.

Visit www.rydergrimesmusic.com to learn more about Ryder Grimes and find out when he will be playing a show near you. Download his album, “Ready or Not,” wherever you get your music.

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