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During the early ‘80s, the music scene was changing due to “Disco Fever” and so were Jimmy and Johnny. Burnt out and frustrated, they split up and began to work separately, pursuing session work with a number of local recording studios, as well as several other group and solo projects. John worked on designing and building “The Garage”, a recording studio in his home, as well as writing, producing and recording many of his original songs.

As time went on, both Jimmy and Johnny realized that what they had together was truly special. They both realized that whatever they did separately on their own just could not capture the magic of the “glory days” and the natural, melodic interplay between their guitars. It was during this period that The Flyin’ Ryan Brothers were really born.

During the remainder of the ’80s, Jimmy and Johnny continued to play out and write songs together, and, after winning the prestigious Budweiser “Battle of the Bands,” played in front of over 30,000 people at Wrigley Field in Chicago to great response. They’ve hosted many open jam nights over the years at local clubs; not only to play out themselves, but to also provide a forum for up-and-coming bands and players to get exposure and promote themselves.

In 1996, Jimmy and Johnny released their debut all-original recording project together, “Sibling Revelry”. The song “Struttin’” won the prestigious “Chicago’s Finest Fingers” Competition in 1996, putting them on the short list of renowned guitar slingers in the Windy City, fueling their reputation both regionally and nationally.

In 1999, their next two full-length projects, “Colorama” and “The Chaos Sampler” were released. Both CDs received very positive reviews in the music press both locally and nationally, building on the solid foundation and buzz created from the strength of their debut release.

The times were changing once again, but this time in a most positive way: the Internet came into existence. The Flyin’ Ryan Brothers started up their own website in January of 2000. Now Jimmy and Johnny could reach out to fans of harmony lead guitar all over the world. “The internet saved us,” says Johnny. “Without it, we could have never hoped for more than a regional awareness of our music.” Jimmy adds, “Through our networking, we’ve established contacts and expanded our fan base across the entire planet. One of the greatest things that ever happened to us was aligning ourselves with our mentors, the folks at Wishbone Ash.” Leon Tsilis, who handled the Wishbone Ash website and merchandising endeavors, became a rabid fan and supporter of the band after being sent the CDs by Johnny. “These projects really express the raw talent and diversity of The Flyin’ Ryan Brothers. These guys kick serious butt!” says Leon.

Jimmy and Johnny had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to jam with the great Andy Powell and Wishbone Ash at 2001s “Ashcon At Sea.” Jimmy says, “Jamming with Andy and the band was one of the greatest highlights of our musical careers! Both Johnny and I can honestly say we would not be doing what we’re doing today if it wasn’t for Wishbone Ash, and for that we’ll always be grateful.” Johnny adds, “The band is still going strong after almost 50 years, and that’s incredible.”

In 2002, Jimmy and Johnny released “Legacy.” The album garnered 4 GRAMMY nominations! “It’s very rare for any independent release to ‘make the cut’ for the GRAMMY Awards, particularly in the composing and arranging fields,” notes Jimmy. “Even though we didn’t make it to the final ballot, we feel “Legacy” is still a winner.”

In 2004, a nationally released CD compilation “Guitars At An Exhibition Volume II” featured not one, but TWO of their tracks (“Stevie Dan” [Legacy] and “Trick Bag” [from Jimmy’s solo release Truth Squad / Superkiller”]).

2005 was a banner year: “Blue Marble” was released to critical praise, making several “Best Of” and “Top Ten” lists both regionally and nationally, and in keeping with the high standards established by their prior releases, earned 4 GRAMMY nominations once again! They were also profiled in the April 2006 edition of 20th Century Guitar magazine. Included on “Blue Marble” was their version of the Wishbone Ash classic “Blowin’ Free 2005” which also appeared on the international Wishbone Ash tribute CD, “Wishbone Ish.” Johnny says, “What a joy it was to honor our heroes with our version of one of their most famous tracks.” Jimmy adds, “We really made it our own, throwing in a few twists and turns that you might not expect from a remake.”

Carrying that momentum into 2006, the “Blue Marble” track “Baghdad” was one of the winners of Billboard’s Independent Music World Series 2006 (over 15,000 entries were submitted from over 80 countries). That track appeared on a nationally released compilation CD, and The Flyin’ Ryan Brothers were voted as one of “The Top 15 Acts From The Midwest” by Billboard magazine.

In 2007, The Flyin’ Ryan Brothers won a TELLY award for a soundtrack they had done which was commissioned by David Weekley at the University of Arkansas. Since then, they have worked on other soundtrack projects for promotional and industrial video releases as well as several short films from independent film makers.

“Totality” was released in 2008, once again nabbing a total of 9 GRAMMY nominations. It was their most musically diverse project to date, topping both critic and listener polls not only nationally but internationally as well, landing again on several “Best Of” and “Top Ten” lists as well as being profiled once again in the August 2008 issue of 20th Century Guitar magazine.

In 2009, the “Blue Marble” track “Gaza” appeared on “Guitar Masters Volume 2”, a nationally released compilation CD, which was compiled by BHP Music’s Brian Tarquin. Featuring a “Who’s Who” of world renowned guitar players (Carlos Santana, Jimmy Page, Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Morse and B.B. King among others), The Flyin’ Ryan Brothers held the unique distinction of being the ONLY independent artist appearing on this release.

Fueled by the success of the Guitar Masters CD series, BHP Music slated a double CD release in 2010 (Guitar Masters Volumes 3 & 4), the theme being a dedication to the late, great Les Paul. Once again featuring some of the top guitarists on the planet (Jeff Beck, Steve Vai, Allan Holdsworth, Leslie West, Frank Gambale, Will Ray and Gary Hoey among others), Brian Tarquin contacted Jimmy and Johnny and commissioned them to write an extended double lead solo with tradeoffs for his composition, “Chopper Mania.” That incendiary track appears on Volume 3.

In 2012, “Under The Influence” was released, garnering 7 GRAMMY nominations. Paying homage to their musical influences, the release is a veritable cornucopia of styles, grooves and genre-twisting diversity. Johnny says, “It’s always been about the music, and this is without a doubt our most powerful and diverse project to date.” Jimmy adds, “Every song is a universe unto itself. Just give it a listen and enjoy the ride!”

Jimmy and Johnny teamed up with Brian Tarquin once again in 2014 with Brian Tarquin & Heavy Friends “Guitars For Wounded Warriors”, a release commemorating the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform. Joining the other “heavy friends” on this CD (Steve Morse, Billy Sheehan, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Gary Hoey, Reb Beach and Chris Poland among others), Jimmy & Johnny contributed blazing solos on “Surgical Strike” and appeared in a feature article in Guitar Player magazine (January 2015) showcasing the release.

Also in 2015, Jimmy & Johnny’s pedalboards were prominently featured in “STOMP ON THIS – The Guitar Pedal Effects Guidebook” by Brian Tarquin. The book features in-depth descriptions and photographs of several of Jimmy & Johnny’s studio & live pedalboards along with detailed analysis and commentary from the brothers.

Since 2016, The Flyin’ Ryan Brothers officially ceased writing, recording and performing together, with both Jimmy and Johnny moving on to pursue their own musical visions separately. They leave behind a substantial musical legacy of considerable breadth and depth, diversity and sophistication.

May the lost art of double lead harmony guitar never die! The Flyin’ Ryan Brothers have done their part to insure that never happens.