The Kentucky evening was settling in on June 1, 2025, when Ryan Bingham hit the Limestone Stage at Railbird Festival. His 5:15 p.m. set brought raw, Red Dirt country to Lexington’s Red Mile, stirring the crowd’s hearts. Consequently, fans, now packed tight, roared for his weathered voice. For an hour, this Texas troubadour delivered a soulful punch, anchoring Day 2 with rugged charm.
His performance was a mix of dusty anthems and tender ballads. For instance, he opened with “Southside of Heaven,” its gritty strum igniting cheers. Meanwhile, Bingham’s vocals carried a whiskey-soaked rasp, like a desert poet. His band, The Texas Gentlemen, kept the sound tight, with Elijah Ford’s bass thumping deep. Moreover, “Bread and Water” had fans shouting along, its raw energy sparking fists in the air. By the end, with “The Weary Kind,” the crowd swayed, lost in his story.
From Rodeo Trails to Music Stardom
Ryan Bingham, born March 31, 1981, in Hobbs, New Mexico, grew up on ranches across Texas and New Mexico. Music wasn’t his first path; he rode bulls in rodeos as a teen, inspired by his cowboy dad. At 17, he picked up guitar, hooked on Townes Van Zandt’s raw songs. Consequently, he started playing bars, trading rodeo dust for stage lights. His hardscrabble life shaped his gritty sound.
Bingham’s 2007 debut, Mescalito, caught attention, with “Southside of Heaven” earning airplay. His 2009 album, Roadhouse Sun, and 2010’s Junky Star broke through, boosted by his Oscar-winning song “The Weary Kind.” For example, he’s played festivals like Stagecoach and toured with Willie Nelson. Now based in Los Angeles, he blends country, blues, and Americana, often compared to Steve Earle for his outlaw edge.
Bands and Bandmates
Bingham fronts his own act, previously with The Dead Horses (2007–2012), and now with The Texas Gentlemen (since 2016). His current lineup includes:
- Ryan Bingham – vocals, guitar
- Elijah Ford – bass
- Daniel Sproul – guitar
- Beau St. Pierre – drums
- Jonny “Keys” Ginty – keys
He’s collaborated with Bob Dylan and Chris Stapleton, sharing stages at Outlaw Music Festival. Meanwhile, his 2014 marriage to actress Anna Axster ended in 2021, drawing tabloid buzz, but no new artist romances have surfaced. For instance, Bingham keeps his personal life quiet, focusing on music and his three kids. His rugged persona drives his appeal, not gossip.
Television, Film, and Awards
Bingham’s media presence is robust, tied to music and acting. He performed “The Weary Kind” on The Tonight Show in 2010. Additionally, he played Walker on Yellowstone (2018–2023), with his songs like “Wolves” featured in the show. His film work includes co-writing “The Weary Kind” for Crazy Heart (2009). For awards, he won the 2010 Oscar for Best Original Song and a Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media. Moreover, he nabbed the 2010 Americana Music Award for Artist of the Year. Hall of fame talks are premature, but his legacy grows.
Biggest Songs
Bingham’s tracks dominate Americana and country charts, with a few standing out:
- “The Weary Kind” – Written by Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett, this 2009 hit won an Oscar, with millions of streams.
- “Southside of Heaven” – Penned by Bingham, this 2007 track from Mescalito is a live-show staple.
- “Bread and Water” – Written by Bingham, this 2009 song from Roadhouse Sun resonates with fans.
Controversies
Bingham’s career hasn’t been drama-free. In 2019, he sparked backlash after criticizing country radio for ignoring Americana artists like himself. Some DJs called him ungrateful, but fans rallied behind him online. Consequently, the feud fizzled, with Bingham doubling down on his indie roots. Additionally, his 2021 divorce from Axster fueled tabloid chatter, with rumors of infidelity—never confirmed. He stayed silent, letting the gossip fade. Moreover, a 2015 DUI arrest in Texas made headlines, but he paid a fine and moved on. His focus on music keeps drama at bay, though his outspokenness courts occasional flak.
The Railbird Roadhouse
At Railbird, Bingham turned the Limestone Stage into a Texas roadhouse. His set felt like a dusty, soulful journey. For instance, “Southside of Heaven” opened with his gravelly voice, pulling fans to their feet. Meanwhile, his banter—about rodeo scars and late-night songs—drew nods from the crowd. Ford’s bass in “Bread and Water” thumped hard, sparking shouts from rowdy fans.
The stage setup was rugged—guitars, bass, keys, and a harmonica stand—with a lone cowboy hat on an amp. As a result, the crowd, a mix of country fans and festivalgoers, got swept up, snapping photos. During “The Weary Kind,” Bingham’s harmonica wailed, earning soft cheers from older fans. Moreover, his cover of Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” was a surprise hit, its grit connecting with Kentuckians.
Yet, the set had a small snag. A guitar string snapped during “Bread and Water,” but Bingham swapped instruments smoothly, joking about “bar fights.” Additionally, some fans near the stage grumbled about sound bleed from the Burl Stage, muddling quieter moments. Nevertheless, the crowd stayed locked in, singing along by the end. The Limestone Stage buzzed with raw energy, fans raving about his voice.
Bingham’s performance was a Day 2 highlight, blending country soul with festival fire. For example, his story about writing “The Weary Kind” in a motel felt real, resonating with the crowd. Meanwhile, his music carried a lived-in weight, appealing to all ages. Consequently, he proved he’s a festival anchor, commanding the stage with ease. His set was a nod to Railbird’s outlaw spirit, grounding the evening’s vibe.
As he left the stage, fans lingered, swapping tales of his harmonica and hunting for merch. His performance showed why Railbird loves rugged talent. Bingham brought heart, grit, and a touch of Texas dust, making the Limestone Stage his own. As a result, his music echoed across the infield, a soulful jolt for Day 2. The Kentucky night seemed to hum with his twang as his notes faded.
