RYAN ADAMS & THE CARDINALS

As one of the most influential and beloved Americana artists of the 21st century, Ryan Adams & The Cardinals captivated audiences since their formation in 2004. The band’s influence can be heard in the music of countless artists, from Wilco to The Avett Brothers.

The group earned the admiration of critics and fans alike, and their legacy as one of the most influential Americana bands of the 21st century is more than secure. Led by the enigmatic Ryan Adams, the band has been hailed as one of the most innovative and dynamic acts to emerge from the Americana scene.

Born in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Adams was drawn to music, picking up the guitar at age 12 and teaching himself to play by listening to classic rock and blues albums. His early influences included Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, and Neil Young. At age 16, Adams formed his first band, The Patty Duke Syndrome, which played small clubs and bars in the Jacksonville area. After graduating from high school, Adams moved to Nashville and began to pursue a career in music. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented songwriter, and soon signed a recording contract with Lost Highway Records.

In 2004, Adams formed the infamous Ryan Adams & The Cardinals with lead guitarist Neal Casal, bassist Chris Feinstein, and drummer Brad Pemberton. The band quickly made a name for themselves, releasing their critically acclaimed debut album, Cold Roses, in 2005. The album featured a mix of folk, country, and rock, and was praised for its raw, stripped-down sound. The collective released a steady stream of albums, including Jacksonville City Nights (2005), Easy Tiger (2007), and Cardinology (2008). Each album showcased the band’s unique blend of Americana, folk, and rock, while Adams’ songwriting continued to evolve and mature.

In 2010, Ryan Adams & The Cardinals disbanded, and Adams returned to his solo career. Since then, he has released a steady stream of solo albums, including no less than 5 studio albums in 2022 alone.

But the love of The Cardinals has remained - often praised for their unique blend of Americana, folk, and rock. While the band’s live performances have been remembered by nostalgic fans for their energy and intensity.