Country singer dies aged 74 as tributes pour in for star

enny Chesney that listeners often mistook his harmonies for the artists themselves.

Tributes pour in

Country star Mark Wills paid tribute, writing:

“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… His voice was flawless. My condolences to Joni and his entire family.”

Ryles was married to Joni Lee, daughter of country legend Conway Twitty, and together they shared a love that mirrored the songs he so often sang about.

Friends, family, and fans have flooded social media with tributes. Fellow country artist John White poured his heart out in a touching tribute, saying:

”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.