Ryan Key
| Ryan Key | |
|---|---|
Key with Yellowcard
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | William Ryan Key |
| Born | December 17, 1979 |
| Origin | Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. |
| Genres | Pop punk, punk rock, alternative rock, acoustic |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, singer-songwriter, vocalist, guitarist |
| Instruments | Vocals, piano, guitar, violin, bass |
| Years active | 1997–present |
| Labels | Hopeless, Capitol, Lobster, Fueled By Ramen |
| Associated acts | Yellowcard, Big If, Inspection 12, Craig's Brother, Silverstein |
| Website | www |
| Notable instruments | |
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Gibson Les Paul Studio Gibson SG Gibson Explorer Fender Telecaster |
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William Ryan Key (born December 17, 1979) is an American rock musician. He is best known as the former lead singer, songwriter, and rhythm guitarist of the former pop punk musical group Yellowcard.
Key was born William Ryan Key on December 17, 1979 in Jacksonville, Florida. He first used a piano at the age of 7 and a guitar at age 13. He attended Episcopal High School of Jacksonville before transferring to Douglas Anderson School of the Arts from which he graduated. Ryan then attended Florida State University together with fellow musician Dan McLintock from the local pop punk band Inspection 12, inviting Ryan to perform guest vocals on their 1999 album Step Into the Fire for the song "Nothing to Lose". They majored in theater for a short while before dropping out to go to Santa Cruz, California and audition together for the Tooth & Nail punk rock band Craig's Brother, which was looking for two guitarists and backup vocalists. They were successful, but after touring for a while, at one time representing the band as an acoustic duo at the Cornerstone Festival, the band's van broke down and with the tour abruptly cancelled, Ryan moved back to Jacksonville and took a shift at Chili's with bandmate and friend Sean Mackin.
Key is an original member of Yellowcard with him being a second rhythm guitarist, he left the band a month before recording their debut album. Key came back and replaced Ben Dobson as Yellowcard's lead singer in 2000 after being asked by guitarist Ben Harper. The band then released the Still Standing EP in early 2000. Shortly after the release of their EP, Todd Clary left the band. Key then became rhythm guitarist as well. The band then moved to Camarillo, CA after being signed to Lobster Records. They then began working on their next album.
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